By
Rebecca Gibson |
Meyer Turku started the production phase for Tallink Grupp’s new LNG-powered fast ferry at its Turku yard in Finland on 4 August.
Due for delivery in early 2017, the 49,000gt ferry will operate on the route between Helsiniki in Finland and Tallinn in Estonia, carrying around 2,800 passengers at a service speed of 27 knots.
The 212m vessel’s hull has been designed to miminise hydrodynamic flow resistance and will operate on LNG fuel, enabling her to sail in emission control areas like the Baltic Sea.
“The environmental performance and many innovative solutions in the technical and service areas will be benchmarks for the market and also our shuttle service in general,” said Janek Stalmeister, CEO of Tallink Grupp.
According to Meyer Turku, the project will provide the shipyard with around 2000 person-years of employment.
“With the new Tallink fast ferry we are taking the next step in the technical development of the LNG ferries – all tailored to the specific needs of our customer,” said Jan Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku. “ For the Turku yard, this order boosts our production volume in 2016 by 30% above the 2015 level.”