The hull assembly of Tallink’s new fast ferry Megastar started 09.02.2016 at the Meyer Turku shipyard with traditional ceremonies, says Tallink Grupp in its press release. When ready, the new fast ferry will be a pinnacle of ship sustainability and efficiency at Baltic Sea. In addition to its environmentally friendly LNG propulsion, Megastar will have revolutionary new hull designed by Meyer Turku, resulting in much less water resistance and easy sailing in icy conditions.
The keel-laying ceremony was witnessed by over hundred guests from Meyer Turku, Tallink and classification society Bureau Veritas. Lucky coins were placed beneath the keel of the ship – later the coins will be retrieved and kept on board the ship for good luck.
Meyer Turku CEO Jan Meyer is very happy with the start of the hull assembly of Megastar.
“Over a year we have been designing Tallink’s fast ferry in good collaboration with the ship owner to feature our next generation LNG-propulsion and a new architecture for the public spaces. In addition we have been pre-producing parts for the ship. In shipbuilding constant development is the norm and there is very little time for tradition. Still there are these special moments in shipbuilding, which deserve that we pause and look back at our work. Today we are starting to assemble the pre-produced parts and the ship begins to look like a ship.”, Jan Meyer says.
CEO of AS Tallink Grupp, Janek Stalmeister added that although the company has a long experience in ordering newbuildings, every new vessel is unique and that makes the process still very exciting.
“As this is our very first LNG vessel with upgrades in so many areas, we celebrate every step taking us closer to her delivery next year. We can’t wait to bring this magnificent ship to our passengers”, said Stalmeister.
Megastar will be 212 meters long, can accommodate altogether 2800 passengers and will start operating on Tallinn-Helsinki route. She will be ready in the beginning of 2017. Megastar will use LNG as fuel, but will also be able to run on marine diesel (MGO). Her size will be 49 000 GT and she will have a service speed of 27 knots. Megastar will comply with the new and stricter emission regulations for the ECA areas including the Baltic Sea.
Meyer Turku Oy employs 1,500 persons and specializes in building highly complex, innovative and environmentally friendly cruise ships, car-passenger ferries and special vessels. Together with two sister shipyards in Germany, Meyer Werft in Papenburg and Neptun Werft in Rostock, Meyer Turku is one of the world’s leading cruise ship builders. The successful shipbuilding tradition in Turku has been continuing since 1737. The company is currently building cruise ships for TUI Cruises and a fast ferry for Tallink. The company will also build two cruise ships for Costa Crociere.
AS Tallink Grupp is the leading passenger and cargo transportation service provider in the Northern region of the Baltic Sea. The company owns altogether 15 vessels and operates under the brands of Tallink and Silja Line on 6 different routes. AS Tallink Grupp employs 7000 people and has annually up to 9 million passengers worldwide.