“We are pleased to launch STAR, one of our largest cargo capacity vessels, on the route between Estonia and Sweden. Many of our guests will remember STAR well from its previous operations. Returning from Ireland, Star also offers a convenient travel option for car passengers between Paldiski and Kapellskär as well as increases the cargo transport capacity between Estonia and Sweden,” Paavo Nõgene, CEO of Tallink Grupp, said.  “We particularly recommend STAR as a comfortable alternative for those passengers travelling by car who prefer to avoid driving through the capitals of Estonia or Sweden. On certain weekdays, it will even be possible to travel between the two countries twice a day, including daytime crossings,” Nõgene added.

Due to port service restrictions, alongside cargo and cargo transporters, STAR will primarily cater to car passengers. The vessel will operate on an intensified schedule, alternating in the opposite direction to the schedule of the company’s cruise ferry BALTIC QUEEN, which sails between Tallinn and Stockholm. This ensures that ferry travel between Estonia and Sweden is again possible almost daily.

The onboard services on STAR include breakfast and dinner at the buffet restaurant, while also a lighter meal concept is available onboard, as well as an enhanced shopping experience than previously  on the route. Compared to ro-ro vessels REGAL STAR and SAILOR, which have operated on the route until now, STAR has also notably more public spaces available for more passenger comfort, including a children’s play area, for example.

Before returning to regular service on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route, STAR will undergo the necessary renewal and preparatory work in dry dock at Naantali, Finland.  

From 9 February 2025 onwards, STAR will operate exclusively on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route, replacing the vessels SAILOR and REGAL STAR, which previously operated on the route and will now remain on standby for future company decisions.  

Prior to starting on the company’s Paldiski-Kapellskär route, from 5 May 2023, STAR was in long term charter to Irish Continental Group plc under the name JAMES JOYCE, providing transportation sevice between Ireland and the UK.

© Shippax