83 Photo: credit absorption chillers. Especially long routes such as Helsinki-Travemünde benefit from air lubrication while batteries will not only decrease emissions during port manoeuvres but also improve safety by reducing the risk of blackout to virtually zero. The installation of other energyefficiency solutions, such as heat pumps, is still under evaluation.” Besides being technical marvels, the Hansa Superstars will also set new standards for the Hansalink service, which typically involves two nights onboard for northbound sailings. “The new Hansalink Superstar-class will have nearly twice the passenger capacity of the Star-class which will be over 20 years old by the time the first newbuild is introduced,” says Grimaldi. “The quality of the passenger services and the interior design from Vertti & Co will be second to none and comparable to that of the Superstars. Naturally, there will be some lessons learned and route-related changes as the vessels have been specifically customised for the much longer FinlandGermany route. “While the theme of the Superstars’ interior design refers to the archipelago that characterises the Finnlink route, the near sister ships for the Finland-Germany route will bring new fresh ideas and storytelling to this route with an updated interior design and new colour schemes. With enhanced onboard offerings and improved comfort – including new cabin categories and updated restaurant concepts – the Hansa Superstar-class is also designed to support the passenger growth we’ve experienced on the route in recent years. This is also why we specified a much higher passenger capacity versus the 554-passenger Star-class ferries. The route between Helsinki and Travemünde remains the most convenient sea connection between Finland and Central Europe. We believe the upgraded travel experience will attract new passengers and additional market segments.” Grimaldi adds that the current timetable will be retained as it represents an efficient response to market demands on this route, however, he admits that the increased freight intake compared to the 4,223 trailer lane metre Star-class ferries may pose some challenges to turnaround times. “We are already working to enhance the efficiency of loading and unloading operations in both ports, for example through the use of state-of-theart port equipment,” he says. A rendering of one of the three Hansa Superstar-class ro-pax ferries, which will operate on Finnlines’ route between Finland and Germany FEATURED INTERVIEW “ We’re proud to be contributing to shaping the future of sustainable maritime transport”
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