Bringing new scale to the ro-pax fleet deployed by Finnlines, the 235m Finnsirius is scheduled to start trans-Baltic service during September this year following July 18 handover by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Weihai.

The first of two sisters ordered from the prolific Chinese ferry builder, the 65,700gt vessel incorporates hybrid power arrangements among a raft of emission-reducing, fuel-saving features. Besides a substantial battery pack, the design includes a shore power connection, under-hull air lubrication, exhaust gas abatement, waste heat recovery, and auto-mooring.