Tallink Superfast, a subsidiary of Estonia’s AS Tallink Grupp, has signed a loan agreement with the KfW IPEX-Bank for the financing of a new LNG-powered fast ferry currently being built by Rauma Marine Constructions Oy.
The loan agreement is in the amount of EUR 197.6 million (USD 221.6 million), while the ferry itself is worth EUR 247 million.
Tallink Grupp said the credit loan would be drawn on the delivery of the vessel, presumably in the beginning of 2022, adding that the loan would have the final maturity of twelve years from the drawdown.
The dual fuel operated shuttle ferry is set to be deployed on the Tallinn – Helsinki route. Its length will be 212 meters with a passenger capacity of 2,800.
With a gross tonnage of around 50,000 and a service speed of 27 knots, the ferry will use LNG as main fuel and is expected to meet all the current and future known emission regulations, according to the company.