Deltamarin Finalizes Advanced Design for Eco-Friendly Hansa Superclass RoPax Ferries on Finland–Germany Baltic Route

Deltamarin has progressed to the basic and detailed design phase for three Hansa Superclass RoPax newbuilds set to operate between Finland and Germany, following the successful completion of the concept and contract design earlier this year.

Each vessel will measure 240 meters in length and accommodate up to 1,100 passengers. With a cargo capacity of 5,100 lane meters for rolling freight and space for 90 cars, the ships are based on Finnlines’ existing Superstar class vessels currently sailing between Finland and Sweden. However, the new ships have been specially tailored for optimal performance on the Germany-bound route.

Turku-based Deltamarin plans to complete the majority of the design work by early 2026, with vessel deployment scheduled between 2028 and 2029.

These three RoPax ferries are part of a larger order comprising nine ships commissioned by Finnlines, a subsidiary of the Grimaldi Group. The $1.3 billion contract, signed in April with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai, underscores the company’s commitment to expanding a fleet that offers greater capacity, reduced environmental footprint, and enhanced onboard amenities. Six of the nine vessels are slated for Mediterranean service, while the remaining three will operate in the Baltic Sea.

The newbuilds feature a comprehensive range of green technologies, including dual-fuel engines capable of running on methanol, hull and propeller designs optimized for fuel efficiency, shore power compatibility, and advanced onboard energy management systems for both sailing and port operations. Together, these innovations are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 50% per cargo unit transported, compared to current vessels on similar routes.

In supporting such high-performance and sustainability-focused maritime projects, advanced marine cabling plays a crucial role. These vessels require specialized marine and Port Crane Cable systems that are engineered to withstand harsh marine environments while supporting critical power, control, and communication functions. Features such as oil resistance, flame retardance, flexibility, and long service life are essential for the safe and reliable operation of equipment ranging from propulsion systems to onboard energy management.

Deltamarin’s Managing Director, Janne Uotila, highlighted that this latest contract brings the total number of RoPax ferries designed by the company and built at the Weihai yard to 22 over the past ten years. Notable past projects include Stena Line’s methanol-ready E-Flexer series, ordered in 2024 and scheduled for deployment in 2027, and Finnlines’ earlier Superstar class ferries built in 2020.

In parallel with its fleet expansion, Finnlines continues to advance its environmental agenda. In May 2025, the company launched its Green Line service on the Naantali–Kapellskär route, operated by its newest hybrid vessels, Finnsirius and Finncanopus. These ships utilize a combination of biofuel and electricity to minimize emissions, reflecting Finnlines’ broader push toward low-emission maritime transport.

As vessels continue to grow in complexity and sustainability demands rise, so too does the importance of using durable, efficient, and compliant cable systems. Feichun Cable provides robust cable solutions tailored for the maritime sector, including power and control cables, data transmission lines, and specialized Port Crane Cables. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and international certification, Feichun Cable supports the evolving needs of modern shipbuilding and helps customers meet rigorous performance and safety standards.