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Finnlines takes delivery of its second ropax ferry

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 13 December 2023 13 December 2023

Finnlines took delivery of Finncanopus, which is the second of two Superstar-series freight-passenger (ropax) vessels, at the China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai, China, on 12 December 2023. The vessel will enter Finnlines’ route between Finland and Sweden (Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär). Finncanopus is scheduled to start in traffic in February 2024.

To commemorate the delivery, a ceremony with representatives from Finnlines and the shipyard was held on site. The homeward voyage is expected to take 6-7 weeks as Finncanopus will be nearly fully loaded with freight and will call several ports before entering the Baltic Sea. Finncanopus is scheduled to begin service in February 2024.

The new ropax vessels are part of Finnlines EUR 500-million Green Newbuilding Programme, which has now been completed. The programme comprised two hybrid ro-pax and three hybrid ro-ro vessels, all equipped with state-of-the-art eco-friendly technology. The first Superstar ro-pax vessel, Finnsirius, was delivered to Finnlines in July and she entered the Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär route in September 2023. Finncanopus will join Finnsirius on the route, departing from Naantali in the evening and from Kapellskär in the morning. The three hybrid ro-ro vessels started operating in summer 2022.

“Finnlines has made substantial investments in sustainable and eco-friendly technologies, positioning itself competitively. Our investment programmes align with the Grimaldi Group’s strategy aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and to reduce CO2 emissions. The new vessels support customers in their transition towards sustainability and environmental responsibility. Therefore, Finnlines continues its green transition and thus makes its best efforts to serve its customers in the most sustainable way. Finnlines’ EUR 500-million Green Newbuilding Investment Programme, which started in 2018, is now completed. This programme clearly demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the environment, to our customers, and to our other stakeholders.” said Tom Pippingsköld, President and CEO of Finnlines today at the delivery ceremony in Weihai Shipyard, in China.

The two sister vessels are the largest ropax vessels in the Finnlines fleet. Both have 5,200 lane metres for cargo and both have been certified to carry 1,100 passengers.

“Finnlines entered the hybrid era last year with the introduction of our new hybrid ro-ro vessels, and these Superstar class vessels are further advancing this transition. This strategic move enables us to deliver not only more efficient but also more sustainable sea transport services. Our substantial investment reinforces our position in providing top-tier services for our customers,” said Juha Ahia, who manages Finnlines’ Newbuilding team.

Finnlines core business is carriage of freight to serve Finnish and European exports and imports, but passenger traffic is also integral in its operational concept. The Åland Islands, like mainland Finland, are fully dependent on maritime bridges. In particular, for residents commuting between Åland and Sweden or Finland, a scheduled liner services is crucial. Moreover, Finnlines’ ships have always space to accommodate passenger vehicles.

“Finnlines is the market leader on this route and our new Superstar vessels represent a completely new standard for ro-pax transport in the Baltic Sea, both for freight and passenger traffic. Finnsirius has been warmly welcomed by private passengers and professional drivers also appreciate upgraded services. When Finncanopus enters traffic, the current smaller ro-pax vessel will be transferred to our route between Sweden and Germany. This way we can improve our services on another important maritime connection,” said Antonio Raimo, Line Manager at Finnlines.

Ship particulars, Finncanopus
Type of vessel: freight-passenger / Ro-pax
Ice class: 1 A Super
Length, overall: 235.0 m
Breadth, moulded: 33.3 m
Gross tonnage: 65,692
Lane metres: 5,200
Design speed: 16 / 20.5 knots
Engine output: 4 x 7,200 kW
Flag: Finland
Passengers: 1,100
Passenger cabins: 323
Route: Finland–Sweden (Naantali–Långnäs–Kapellskär)

Princess Cruises joins with artist Romero Britto to offer new specialty dining experience on the Sun Princess

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 December 2023 11 December 2023

In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, Princess Cruises has announced it is joining with Romero Britto, the world-renowned artist known for his bold, colorful, and joyful style, and a global advocate for happiness, to create Love by Britto, an artistic-inspired dining experience celebrating the essence of “Love” aboard Sun Princess.

Located on deck 17 at the aft of the new ship, Love by Britto is a groundbreaking addition to the Sun Princess experience portfolio. The new dining experience serves as an exquisite showcase of the artist’s iconic and joyful designs against the backdrop of a boutique restaurant venue designed to immerse couples in a world of vivid colors, bold patterns, and heartfelt emotions, and create an ambiance of extraordinary service immersion.

Love and art converge with taste in an immersive culinary journey, showcasing a meticulously curated menu by culinary virtuoso Rudi Sodamin. With Sodamin’s ingenious touch, Love by Britto transcends into a multisensory exploration, offering extraordinary dishes that embody profound passion, exquisite flavor, and boundless creativity.

“Love by Britto on the Sun Princess celebrates the universal language of love, expressed through Britto’s vibrant art and design and promises to be uplifting and transformative for our guests," said John Padgett, president of Princess Cruises. "With a perfect blend of art, beauty, and soul, Love by Britto is destined to leave a lasting impression.”

Set to debut when the newest ship from The Love Boat launches in early 2024, all elements of the innovative new concept - the setting, the artwork, the menu – have been uniquely designed to create an unparalleled dining destination. Love by Britto is a testament to Princess Cruises' unwavering commitment to creating exceptional experiences that transcend the ordinary.

“With Love by Britto, we’ve created a one-of-a-kind experience that showcases the harmony between food, art, and the universal language of love, to create an experience that’s meant to be savored,” said Britto. “On the amazing Sun Princess, we’re going to celebrate love for life every evening by pairing an incredibly unique vibe along with exceptional cuisine to create a setting for everyone to indulge their senses and emotions.”

“Considered the most licensed artist in history, Britto is the founder of the Happy Art Movement and has created an iconic visual language of happiness, fun, love, and hope all its own inspiring millions worldwide,” added Lucas Vidal, CEO of the BRITTO brand and organization.

Brazilian-born and Miami-made, Britto’s work has been exhibited in the most prestigious galleries and museums in over 120 countries, including the Carrousel Du Louvre and he was the first living visual artist to present his work at the Soumaya Museum. He also has created innumerous public and private art installations, not to mention the largest in the history of London’s Hyde Park. He did the opening of the Super Bowl XLI in collaboration with the Cirque Du Soleil, was the official artist for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, ambassador to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, honorary torch bearer and ambassador for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

Love by Britto will feature a seven-course, prix fixe menu ($149 per person) beginning with a flute of Champagne upon arrival and features luxury ingredients including lobster, caviar and truffles, and dessert options that always include chocolate fondue.

Specifically featured across the seven-course meal are dishes highlighted by delectable and intoxicating aphrodisiacs, like Oysters with Champagne Pearls or Grilled Fig with Prosciutto and Roquefort as featured starters, followed by savory soups like Asparagus and Watermelon Cocktail with Vodka.

Also on the menu are savory salad options that feature quail eggs, pomegranate and avocado. Fish dishes like Lobster Thermidor with Clams and Wild Rice, and Honey-Basted Wild Salmon. Meats like Wagyu Chateaubriand Rossini and Roast Quail Farci with Truffles. Champagne flavored sorbet with Rose Petals to cleanse the palate. And heavenly dessert options in addition to chocolate fondue that range from Iced Soufflé Tahiti Vanilla and White Valrhona Chocolate with Hot Raspberries, to Hot Chocolate Soufflé with Hot Bing Cherries.

“Food is the international language of love,” said Rudi Sodamin, head of culinary arts for Princess Cruises. “It could not be more perfect for Princess, home of The Love Boat!”

Love by Britto headlines a delectable assortment of expanded restaurant options aboard the highly anticipated Sun Princess, the next generation ship from Princess.

Other new selections among the 30 exciting bars and restaurant found onboard include a Princess first Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant, an authentic Irish Pub, a new area to dedicated to casual eats, a completely revamped approach to World Fresh Marketplace, and two exciting pop-up concepts from celebrity chefs Dario Cecchini, and Sodamin, along with Princess favorites like Crown Grill, Sabatini’s, Kai Sushi and Alfredo’s Pizzeria.

The new ship places a premium on fresh cuisine and craft cocktails while offering spectacular views, from casual al fresco bistros and a fresh daily marketplace, to a lively pub, Asian-inspired sushi and

“We’ve been inspired to design restaurants and lounges that reflect the stunning views, ocean vistas and sunshiny days that will be experienced across Sun Princess,” added Padgett. “New and favorite venues will serve up vibrant flavors, pour perfectly satisfying cocktails and offer the most amazing settings for our guests to share stories around the table.”

Currently under construction at the Fincantieri shipyard in Italy, the 175,500-ton, 4,300-guest Sun Princess will also offer an array of exciting new entertainment and activity offerings, as well as luxurious staterooms and suites across a broad spectrum of categories.

With the most balconies on any Princess ship, guests can take in the sunshine and crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and Caribbean from the comfort of their stateroom. The Dome, a transformational entertainment venue inspired by the terraces of Santorini, is the perfect place to relax and the Arena is an evolution and the most technologically advanced Princess Theater design.

Sun Princess will also feature the exclusive Princess Medallion that will extend Princess’ leadership position in delivering exceptional personalized experiences typical of small ships while enjoying only the best large ship amenities.

Fincantieri lays the keel of Star Princess

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 11 December 2023 11 December 2023

The keel laying of the Star Princess took place in Monfalcone today. It is the second Sphere-class vessel for Princess Cruises, a brand within Carnival Corporation; the first is Sun Princess.

Both cruise ships are dual-fuel, primarily powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the cleanest marine fuel currently available on a large scale on the market.

Star Princess will accommodate 4,300 guests and, like Sun Princess, is based on a next-generation platform design. Sun Princess will be delivered in 1Q 2024 while Star Princess in 2025.

Princess Cruises, a world leading international cruise line and tour company, operates a current fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions of guests each year to 330 destinations around the globe.

Mein Schiff 7 floated out in Meyer Turku shipyard

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 December 2023 07 December 2023

Just a few days after the Mein Schiff Relax was floated out in the Italian Fincantieri shipyard, the dock of the Mein Schiff 7 in the Finnish Meyer Turku shipyard was also flooded ton December 1. Around 300 million liters of water flowed into the dock and ensured a successful floating in a snowy winter landscape and with traditional cannon fire. This newbuilding is now receiving the finishing touches before it begins its first trips for guests next early summer.

“We are pleased that the 7th newbuilding in the Mein Schiff fleet now has water under its keel. The sister ship of Mein Schiff 1 and Mein Schiff 2 not only offers many wonderful innovations for our guests, but also relies on new low-emission fuels for propulsion,” says Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises.

There will be many new highlights on the Mein Schiff 7 that will offer guests of the Mein Schiff fleet a very special feeling of well-being and travel at the highest level. Guests can expect two new cabin categories for solo travelers: 12 indoor and 14 outdoor single cabins offer individual freedom with plenty of storage space and a unique feel-good atmosphere.

The newbuilding will operate with lower-emission marine diesel (sulfur content: 0.1%) and is equipped with catalytic converters (nitrogen oxide reduction: around 75%) and a shore power connection. In addition, the Mein Schiff 7 is being built run also on methanol, potentially green methanol, which makes the ship's propulsion system almost CO2-neutral. The decision to prepare Mein Schiff 7 for methanol propulsion is an important investment in the future and an important contribution to climate-neutral cruising.

In order to achieve even more efficient waste processing, the Mein Schiff 7 will be equipped with an innovative system that can shred organic waste through thermal treatment and process it for further use on land. “HydroTreat”, a new system for processing biological waste: the liquid parts of the waste are separated using heat and pressure and sent to the ship's own wastewater treatment system. In the end, purified wastewater comes out on land at the level of modern sewage treatment plants.

EWE Cruises, Deltamarin and Tillberg Design of Sweden receive AIP from DNV for their new expedition vessel project

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: More News More News; Published: 07 December 2023 07 December 2023

A new expedition cruise vessel project, developed by EWE cruises, Deltamarin and Tillberg design of Sweden, has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from the classification society DNV. The project was published at Marintec Shanghai on December 7, 2023, alongside the presentation of AiP certificates to the involved parties.

The innovative 17,000 gross ton vessel is designed for 200 passengers for worldwide service, covering both Arctic and tropical regions. One of its unique design features is the full capacity for simultaneous Zodiac expedition trips for all passengers.

Environmental friendliness is the key design criterion of the vessel, which is fitted with state-of-the-art technology for green operations. The design of the vessel has been developed jointly by the owner EWE cruises, naval architect Deltamarin, architectural designer Tillberg of Sweden, and in close collaboration with Chinese Polar Guide Association.

The approval from DNV proves that the design basis for the project is compliant with prevailing rules and regulations.