Tallink New Shuttle Named Star
On November 23, a launching and naming ceremony of took place at Aker Yards shipyard in Helsinki: The fast passenger ferry ordered by Tallink in August 2005 was now floated out and named as Star. The ship's sponsor was Jaana Pajunen, spouse of the Lord Mayor of Helsinki Jussi Pajunen. This vessel is another example of Aker Yards operating across borders - with steel sections made in Turku and Rauma in Finland as well as Gdansk in Poland, and outfitting and delivery taking place in Helsinki. In addition to the Star Aker Yards orderbook includes a big cruise ferry for Tallink (NB 1361) for delivery in spring 2008. It is being built under working name Galaxy 2 according to the sister ship delivered last April. The two vessels under construction mean 2,500 men years of work for the yard. Tallink's cruise vessels Romantika and Victoria I were delivered by Aker Yards in spring 2002 and 2004 respectively.When delivered in spring 2007 the ferry will start regular traffic between Helsinki and Tallinn and will be capable to cross the sea between the two cities in 1 hour and 50 minutes. The ice class of the ferry will allow year-around operation. Besides 1,900 passengers, the 185 m long and 27.7 m wide vessel is designed to carry private cars and freight units by having more than two kilometres of vehicle deck space.