Estonian shipping company Tallink and Finnish shipbuilding company Meyer Turku have signed a contract for the construction of a LNG-powered fast ferry for the Tallinn-Helsinki route shuttle operations.
The dual fuel ship will be approximately 212 metres in length with a passenger capacity of 2,800. It will have a gross tonnage of 49,000 tonnes and a service speed of 27 knots.
The fast ferry will cost around US$257 million and will be built at Meyer Turku's shipyard for delivery in early 2017.
The new environmentally friendly vessel will use LNG as fuel and comply with the new emission regulations for the ECA areas, including the Baltic Sea.
It is hoped the hull form will minimise the flow resistance and ensure that the ship operates well in ice conditions. Efficient and fast cargo turnaround in ports has been taken into account in the design of the new generation fast ferry.
According to the contract, 20 per cent of the total cost will be paid during the construction period and the rest upon delivery of the vessel. The financing details will be announced by Tallink shortly.