By
Alex Smith |
Tallink Grupp has signed a memorandum of agreement with Irish Continental Group – parent company of operator Irish Ferries – to sell its ferry Star I.
The vessel has been sailing on Tallink’s Paldiski-Kapellskär route and will now be replaced by Superfast IX.
"When presenting last year's financial results, we assured our investors and customers of our commitment to maintaining flexibility and responding to market demand,” said Paavo Nõgene, chairman of the management board of Tallink Grupp. “Star I is an excellent vessel that has served us well, and there has been repeated interest in acquiring it. A favourable set of circumstances created the right moment for the sale while allowing us to continue passenger services with an equivalent vessel – Superfast IX, which returned last year from a long-term charter in Canada. Keeping a vessel idle is not a sustainable option for the company in the long run.”
Superfast IX was previously sailing on a long-term charter in Canada
Superfast IX was built in 2002 in Kiel, Germany, and was purchased by Tallink in 2006. It will arrive to sail on the Paldiski- Kapellskär route on 12 April, with the schedule and onboard services remaining unchanged.
"We will do everything necessary in the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition to the new vessel,” said Nõgene. “Changes have already been made in the ticket sales and booking systems. We can assure our customers that the vessel change will not result in any decline in service quality – Superfast IX is a modern and comfortable vessel. The onboard retail and catering services from Star I will be transferred to Superfast IX. Since the Paldiski-Kapellskär route also operates overnight, it is good to know that Superfast IX offers more spacious cabins. Additionally, the vessel has more room for cargo transport.”
Tallink will transfer Star I in the coming weeks.