Aker Yards and Tallink Sign Contract for Ferry

The Option Agreement Aker Yards and Tallink had for a large cruise ferry was today confirmed as a firm contract worth approx. 165 million euro. The vessel to be delivered in summer 2008 from Aker Yards shipyard in Helsinki will be a sister ship to MS Galaxy launched at the yard in Rauma early this month. The contract means 1,700 man years of work to the yard. In addition to the new order there are two other vessels for Tallink in Aker Yards' orderbook, i.e. a cruise ferry and a fast passenger ferry. An option agreement has been signed for the latter. The previous cruise ferries for Tallink, MS Romantika and MS Victoria, were delivered in spring 2002 and 2004 respectively. The 212 metres long and 29 m wide vessel will be one of the biggest and fastest cruise ferries in the Baltic Sea, having capacity for 2,800 passengers and with a speed of 24.5 knots. The guiding principle in designing the vessel has been paying attention to the comfort and luxury of present-day passengers. There will be maximal use of high-tech solutions onboard. 927 cabins, several restaurants and places to entertain of various style and class as well as a remarkable conference centre with over 450 seats make the new ship a multi functional sea-based hotel with excellent ambience. Source: Aker Yards