Tallink signs contract with RMC for new LNG-powered fast ferry

Similar to the group’s newest vessel (Megastar), this new shuttle ferry will also be dual-fuel operated, will be approximately 212 m long, and will have a passenger capacity of 2800 people. In addition to this, it will have a gross tonnage of approximately 50 000, and a service speed of 27 knots. It will use LNG as the main fuel, and will meet all current and future known emission regulations.

In statement, Tallink claims that it will cost approximately €250 million, and will be built at the Rauma shipyard in Finland, providing approximately 1500 man-years of employment for the yard. The vessel is scheduled for delivery in January 2022.

Paavo Nõgene, the CEO of Tallink Grupp, said: “The construction of Megastar and bringing this next generation vessel onto the Baltic Sea, has transformed our shuttle service between Tallinn and Helsinki. The vessel has been extremely well received by our customers, with over 4 million passengers already having travelled on the vessel. In addition to the increased passenger comfort, just as importantly, Megastar has taken our operations also to the next level in terms of environmentally friendly operations and increased efficiency.

“It was therefore only logical that a similar vessel should be built for the route sooner or later to enhance our operations on this important route for us even further. We are pleased to have signed the construction contract with RMC, thus supporting also our regional economies due to the construction taking place in Rauma, and we look forward to starting the shipbuilding process.”

Jyrki Heinimaa, the CEO of RMC, added: “We are very proud that Tallink trusted us in giving this important project to RMC for successful design and manufacturing their newest shuttle ferry, which takes some benefits from the existing fleet, but exceeds them in performance thanks to the integration of the newest technology applications, for example concerning power demand. In RMC’s path to global technology leadership in ferry building, this project is a great milestone and brings us on an even level with the market leaders.

“The project itself is extremely awaited in Rauma, since it allows us to continue our amicable co-operation with our colleagues at Tallink, of which we have had great experiences already since the beginning of the millennium, when M/S Romantika was under construction in Rauma as the first newbuilding ferry of Tallink Grupp.”

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/28032019/tallink-signs-contract-with-rmc-for-new-lng-powered-fast-ferry/