Steel has been cut on what will become one of the most technologically advanced ferries operating in the Baltic region. Finnish shipping company Finnlines has officially kicked off construction of the first vessel in its Hansa Superstar series — a methanol dual-fuel ro-pax ship being built at CMI Weihai Shipyard in China, according to Ship & Bunker.
The steel-cutting ceremony took place on May 15, marking the beginning of a build programme that forms part of a broader €500 million investment across three vessels.
A Greener Gateway Between Finland and Germany
The vessel is designed with emissions reduction firmly in mind. According to Ship & Bunker, the ship will be powered by methanol dual-fuel engines and equipped with a range of supporting technologies, including:
- Air lubrication systems
- Waste heat recovery
- Shore power connectivity
- A 2 MWh battery system
At approximately 244 metres in length, the vessel will have capacity for up to 1,000 passengers and offer 5,100 lane metres of cargo space. Finnlines has confirmed it is scheduled to enter service in 2028, operating on the Finland-Germany route.
Two More Ships to Follow
Construction of the second and third vessels in the Hansa Superstar series is expected to begin in 2027, as reported by Ship & Bunker. The full programme represents a significant long-term commitment to alternative fuel technology within Finnlines’ fleet.
Does This Matter to You?
For those operating in the bunkering, maritime fuel supply, or shipping sectors, this development is relevant on several levels. The decision to build a methanol dual-fuel vessel signals continued momentum behind methanol as a viable marine fuel, particularly for operators on European short-sea and ro-pax routes where regulatory pressure around emissions is intensifying.
Bunker suppliers and port infrastructure planners along the Finland-Germany corridor — as well as at the vessel’s homeport and calling ports — may need to account for methanol fuel demand when the ship enters service in 2028. The inclusion of shore power capability also aligns with growing EU port requirements around cold ironing.
For vessel operators and charterers assessing fleet renewal strategies, this programme illustrates how major European ferry operators are actively committing to alternative fuels rather than waiting for the regulatory landscape to fully crystallise.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
