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Newbuilding

CMI Weihai Shipyard starts building Finnlines’ methanol dual-fuel Ro-Pax

Methanol, optimised hullform and propulsion, air lubrication, battery banks and shore power will reduce emissions considerably compared to vessels currently operating on the Finland-Germany route.

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CMI Weihai Shipyard starts building Finnlines’ methanol dual-fuel Ro-Pax

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

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Newbuilding

Singapore-based Hong Lam Marine celebrates China launch of bunkering vessel “Priority”

‘As the first vessel in our latest series of four newbuilds, the bunkering vessel Priority represents an important milestone in our ongoing fleet renewal journey,’ the company said.

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Singapore-based Hong Lam Marine celebrates China launch of bunkering vessel “Priority”

Singapore-based bunker tanker owner/operator and marine fuel supplier Hong Lam Marine on Monday (17 August) announced the successful launching of 7,999 dwt bunkering vessel Priority at Jiangmen Hangtong Shipbuilding Co Ltd in China on 12 August. 

“As the first vessel in our latest series of four newbuilds, the bunkering vessel Priority represents an important milestone in our ongoing fleet renewal journey,” the company said in a social media post. 

“Despite the intense summer heat, the launching was carried out smoothly and safely. Watching Priority taking to the water was a proud and memorable moment for everyone involved in the project.” 

Hong Lam Marine added that the achievement reflected the strong partnership, dedication and teamwork of our project team, shipyard partners and stakeholders, whose collective efforts have brought the vessel to this significant stage of construction.

“We look forward to the successful completion and delivery of Priority in the months ahead and extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to making this milestone possible,” the company added. 

 

Photo credit: Hong Lam Marine
Published: 19 August, 2026

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Alternative Fuels

Baltic Workboats delivers biomethane-powered multi-purpose workboat

“KRATT” is Estonia’s first large workboat to use biomethane as its primary fuel and is also equipped with a 400 kWh battery bank for electric propulsion.

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Baltic Workboats delivers biomethane-powered multi-purpose workboat

Baltic Workboats recently said a new 38-metre multi-purpose workboat, KRATT, built for the Estonian State Fleet, has been christened at its Nasva shipyard in Saaremaa on 12 August. 

KRATT is Estonia’s first large workboat to use biomethane as its primary fuel and is also equipped with a 400 kWh battery bank for electric propulsion. 

On biomethane, the vessel can travel up to 1,000 nautical miles at a speed of seven knots. On battery power, it can operate for up to two hours at five knots. The battery bank also allows the vessel to use electric power for up to ten hours while at anchor, reducing the need to run auxiliary engines as well as fuel consumption, emissions and noise levels.

From autumn, the vessel will carry out a wide range of maritime tasks in Estonian waters, from buoy handling and fairway maintenance to marine research, pollution response and rescue operations.

According to Andres Laasma, Director General of the Estonian State Fleet, the gradual renewal of the state-owned fleet is essential to ensure the country’s ability to carry out its maritime duties.

“Our main workboats today are on average 30-40 years old, and maintaining their reliability is becoming more difficult and costly year by year. The new workboat KRATT will help ease this situation, as it is a multi-purpose vessel capable of performing a wide range of tasks,” Laasma said.

KRATT is the first major workboat ordered by the state in the past ten years.

 

Photo credit: Baltic Workboats
Published: 19 August, 2026

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Methanol

Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, “Carlotta Cosulich” combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness.

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Fratelli Cosulich launches methanol-ready bunker tanker in China

Genoa-based marine fuel supplier Fratelli Cosulich on Monday (17 August) announced the launch of its new methanol-ready bunker IMO II tanker, Carlotta Cosulich.

The launch of Carlotta Cosulich, the third of four sister vessels, took place at Taizhou Maple Leaf Shipyard in China, bringing together the project team, partners and stakeholders.

Silvia Bordon, General Manager, served as the vessel’s godmother during the ceremony.

“Designed with MarineLINE-coated cargo tanks and methanol readiness from the outset, Carlotta Cosulich combines operational flexibility with future-fuel readiness,” the company said in a statement. 

Equipped with a five-tonne cargo crane and dedicated arrangements for Single Point Mooring (SPM) operations further enhances her versatility across a wider range of bunkering operations.

“Following the successful delivery of her two sister vessels, she brings us one step closer to completing this four-vessel programme and reinforces Fratelli Cosulich Group’s commitment to safety, innovation, sustainability and operational excellence,” the company added.

 

Photo credit: Fratelli Cosulich
Published: 18 August, 2026

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