Freight and passenger services shipping operator Finnlines on Friday (15 May) said construction of its new Hansa Superstar class vessels officially began at the CMI Weihai Shipyard in China on 15 May 2026.
The shipyard is part of the China Merchants Group, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups. Construction commenced with a traditional steel cutting ceremony where Captain Juhana Nuru and Technical Superintendent Petri Leino initiated the automated panel line.
The vessel is the first of three Hansa Superstar class ro-pax vessels ordered by Finnlines from the Weihai shipyard. The ship is scheduled to enter service in summer 2028.
The methanol-powered ro-pax vessel will strengthen Finnlines’ capability to provide low-emission freight and passenger transport services in the coming years. The Hansa Superstar class vessels combine large transport capacity, innovative design and a high level of passenger comfort in a way that supports environmental sustainability.
The Hansa Superstar class vessels will sail under the Finnish flag and are specifically designed for the long sea route between Finland and Germany. Fossil-free methanol, optimised hullform and propulsion, air lubrication, waste heat recovery, heat pumps, battery banks and shore power will reduce carbon dioxide emissions considerably compared to vessels currently operating on the route.
The vessels are about 240 metres long and offer 5,100 lane metres of cargo capacity. Passenger capacity is 1,000, and the vessels feature a total of 321 passenger cabins and 72 crew cabins.
“With its new Superstar class vessels operating on the Naantali–Kapellskär route, Finnlines introduced the most innovative concept in the ro‑pax sector and set a new benchmark for ro‑pax traffic in the Baltic Sea. We are now taking this concept to the next level by commencing the construction of an even more versatile series of vessels. Continuous investments in our fleet demonstrate our commitment to bringing the most modern tonnage to Baltic Sea traffic, equipped with the best available environmental technology,” says Thomas Doepel, President and CEO at Finnlines.
“The Hansa Superstar class vessels have been designed to meet the growing transport needs of industry and trade as well as the expectations of passengers. A strong and reliable sea connection between Finland and mainland Europe is a vital element of security of supply and the smooth functioning of supply chains, while at the same time we aim to offer passengers an increasingly high-quality and comfortable travel experience,” says Marco Palmu, Head of Passenger Services at Finnlines.
The steel-cutting ceremony marks another milestone in Finnlines’ twenty-year development programme, which includes the acquisition or construction of 20 new vessels. The latest investment programme comprises three Hansa Superstar class vessels, which are expected to enter service between 2028 and 2029.
Photo credit: Finnlines
Published: 19 May, 2026
