The hull assembly of Tallink’s new fast ferry Megastar started today at the Meyer Turku shipyard.

The ferry will feature environmentally friendly LNG propulsion and a new hull designed by Meyer Turku, resulting in much less water resistance and easy sailing in icy conditions, the ship owner said.

“Over a year we have been designing Tallink’s fast ferry in good collaboration with the ship owner to feature our next generation LNG-propulsion and a new architecture for the public spaces. In addition we have been pre-producing parts for the ship. In shipbuilding constant development is the norm and there is very little time for tradition.

Still there are these special moments in shipbuilding, which deserve that we pause and look back at our work,” Meyer Turku CEO, Jan Meyer says.

“As this is our very first LNG vessel with upgrades in so many areas, we celebrate every step taking us closer to her delivery next year. We can’t wait to bring this magnificent ship to our passengers,” CEO of AS Tallink Grupp, Janek Stalmeister added.

Megastar will be 212 meters long, accommodating altogether 2,800 passengers and will start operating on Tallinn-Helsinki route. It will be ready in the beginning of 2017. Megastar will use LNG as fuel, but will also be able to run on marine diesel (MGO). The ship will boast 49 000 GT in size and will have a service speed of 27 knots.