New vessels on the horizon

Finnlines will introduce three new freight-passenger vessels of the Hansa Superstar class on its route between Finland and Germany in 2028–2029. The key features include larger freight capacity, reduced environmental impact and enhanced onboard comfort.

The Hansa Superstar vessels will feature ground-breaking green technology innovations, including optimised hull and propeller design, energy-efficient onboard power management systems at sea and in port, onshore power readiness and silicon-based hull coatings. The engines will be capable of running on methanoI to achieve the “net zero emission” goal. CO₂ emissions per transported cargo unit are expected to halve compared to the vessels currently operating on the route.

Elevated quality for cargo and passengers

The three vessels will be 240 metres long, with a cargo capacity of 5,100 lane metres for rolling freight plus 90 cars, and accommodation in 320 cabins for up to 1,100 passengers. The design is based on Finnlines’ Superstar-class vessels, Finnsirius and Finncanopus operating between Finland and Sweden. However, the design has been adapted for the Finland–Germany route where the crossing takes around 30 hours. New cabin categories and restaurant options tailored to satisfy different passenger preferences will be introduced. The focus will be on superior travel comfort and onboard experience.

Facilities include five bars and restaurants, a spa with a wide range of services and treatments, including the iconic Finnish sauna, shops, and two children’s play areas designed for different age groups. One of the standout features is the main bar at the bow of deck 12, which will offer breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea during the crossing.

Innovation-driven, quality first

In early April 2025, as part of its fleet expansion and renewal program, the Grimaldi Group commissioned the construction of a total of nine ro-pax vessels from China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai. Six vessels will sail in the Mediterranean, three in the Baltic Sea. The agreement for the cutting-edge newbuilds is worth a total of $1.3 billion.

The new innovative vessels will define a new benchmark for ro-pax vessels and the Hansa Superstars will consolidate Finnlines’ leading position in the Baltic short-sea shipping market.

According to Emanuele Grimaldi, Managing Director of the Grimaldi Group and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Finnlines, the Next Generation vessels are the result of a thorough study of customers’ needs and, more broadly, those of shipping. “Today more than ever, quality, efficiency and environmental sustainability are required to remain a key mode of national and international freight and passenger transport.”