On 11 August, at a press conference in Kolobrzeg, Poland, it was announced by Marek Grobarczyk, secretary of state in the Ministry of Infrastructure, that state-owned Polferries signed a contract (one understands – charter agreement) "for a ferry for Polish Baltic Shipping Company". It was confirmed the vessel in question is to "fill the gap" before newbuildings are in place.

President of Polish Baltic Shipping Co. (Polferries), Andrzej Madejski, revealed that an agreement with the Italian shipowner was signed after lengthy negotiations for a 10-year charter with purchase option available after six years.

The LNG-ready vessel, which will be delivered to Polferries in the second half of 2024, will have the following characteristics:

- 216m LOA
- 28m beam
- +3,000 lanemetres
- 1,000 passengers in 230 cabins.

The vessel is currently under construction at the Italian Visentini yard and will serve between Swinoujscie-Ystad for Polferries. It is a lengthened and slightly modified version of the NAOS designed A GALEOTTA currently being built for Corsica Linea at the same yard.

© Shippax / PS

Illustration of the previously announced Polferries newbuild to be built at Remontowa © Polferries