Community hub
0 subscribers8 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to MS Baltic Princess.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
MS Baltic Princess
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
 Baltic Princess in Mariehamn Harbour, June 2022
| |
| History | |
|---|---|
 Finland | |
| Name | Baltic Princess |
| Owner | Tallink[1] |
| Operator | Silja Line |
| Port of registry | 2013– Mariehamn,  Finland[1]
2008–13 Tallinn,  Estonia |
| Route | |
| Ordered | 19 December 2005[1] |
| Builder | Aker Finnyards Helsinki New Shipyard, Finland (section of the hull built at Chantiers de l'Atlantique, France)[1] |
| Cost | €165 million[2] |
| Yard number | 1361[1] |
| Laid down | 14 November 2006 (at Chantiers de l'Atlantique)[1] |
| Launched | 9 March 2008 (from Helsinki New Shipyard)[1] |
| Christened | 6 March 2008 by Eva Hanschmidt[1][2] |
| Acquired | 10 July 2008[3] |
| Maiden voyage | 5 July 2008 |
| In service | 15 July 2008[3] |
| Identification |
|
| Status | In service |
| General characteristics [4] | |
| Class & type | Galaxy class cruiseferry |
| Tonnage | GT/ NT/ DWT. 48915/ 30860/ 6287 |
| Length | 212.10 m (695 ft 10 in)[1] |
| Beam | 29.00 m (95 ft) |
| Decks | 12 |
| Ice class | 1 A Super |
| Installed power | |
| Speed | 24.5 kn (45.4 km/h; 28.2 mph) |
| Capacity |
|
MS Baltic Princess is a cruiseliner owned by the Estonia-based ferry operator Tallink and operated under their Silja Line brand. She was built by Aker Finnyards Helsinki New Shipyard in Helsinki, Finland in 2008. The ship began service on the cruise route between Helsinki, Finland to Tallinn, Estonia on 17 August 2008.[3] From 1 February 2013 the ship began service on the Turku–Mariehamn–Stockholm route.
Concept and construction
[edit]
The Baltic Princess was ordered as Tallink's fourth new cruiseliner in December 2005.[2] The purpose of the vessel was at the time undisclosed, but after Tallink's purchase of Silja Line in 2006 it was revealed that the ship would replace MS Galaxy on the Tallinn–Helsinki cruise route. The ship was christened on March 6, 2008.[2]
The forward sections of the ship was constructed at Aker Yards' Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in France and was towed to Helsinki in April 2007. In September the section was towed into the drydock where the hull was completed. The ship was floated out of drydock in Helsinki on 9 March 2008 after being officially christened.[1]
Service history
[edit]Baltic Princess was delivered to Tallink on 10 July 2008 and she entered the Tallinn–Helsinki route on 15 July 2008.[3]
On 2 February 2013, MS Baltic Princess entered the Turku–Åland–Stockholm service and was re-flagged from Estonia to Finland. She was replaced on the Tallinn–Helsinki service by Silja Europa.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Asklander, Micke. "M/S Baltic Princess (2008)". Fakta om Fartyg (in Swedish). Retrieved 2008-04-12.
- ^ a b c d "Tallink's New Cruise Ferry "Baltic Princess" is Launched and Named on the 6th of March 2008". Tallink press release. Tallink. 11 March 2008. Archived from the original on 23 June 2008. Retrieved 12 April 2008.
- ^ a b c d "Delivery of M/S Baltic Princess". Tallink press release. Tallink. 10 July 2008. Archived from the original on 11 October 2008. Retrieved 11 July 2008.
- ^ "Cruise Ferry for Tallink" (PDF). Aker Yards. Retrieved 12 April 2008.
- ^ "Silja Europa flyttar till Tallinntrafiken". Svenska YLE (in Swedish). 7 November 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
External links
[edit]
Media related to IMO 9354284 at Wikimedia Commons
MS Baltic Princess
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Design and Construction
Concept and Ordering
On 19 December 2005, Tallink confirmed a firm order with Aker Yards (including its Finnyards division) for a new large cruiseferry, marking the company's fifth such vessel acquisition in quick succession to bolster fleet capacity on the busy Baltic Sea routes between Estonia and Finland.[9][10] The contract, valued at approximately €165 million and partially financed by a €132 million loan syndicate involving HSH Nordbank, Nordea Bank, SEB, and the European Investment Bank, underscored Tallink's strategy to meet rising demand for passenger and cargo transport in the region.[10][11] The vessel's design prioritized luxury and passenger comfort, accommodating up to 2,800 passengers across 927 cabins, including suites and accessible options, while incorporating expansive public areas such as 12 restaurants and bars, three shops, a conference center with nine rooms for up to 450 attendees, a dedicated children's play area, and sauna facilities.[10] To support year-round operations in the icy Baltic waters, the hull was built to 1A Super ice class standards by Bureau Veritas, enabling navigation through severe winter conditions.[12][13] Environmental considerations were integrated from the outset, with catalytic reduction units installed to mitigate exhaust emissions in line with emerging EU regulations for maritime pollution control.[10] The ship was designated MS Baltic Princess, a name evoking the prestige of the Baltic region and continuing Tallink's thematic naming pattern for its premium cruiseferries, as seen in subsequent vessels like MS Baltic Queen.[10][14]Building and Delivery
The construction of MS Baltic Princess involved a collaborative effort between shipyards in France and Finland. The forward section of the hull and superstructure was fabricated at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France, before being towed to the Helsinki New Shipyard operated by Aker Finnyards (later STX Europe) in Helsinki, Finland, where final assembly commenced in April 2007.[10][1] The keel was laid on 14 November 2006 at the Finnish shipyard, marking the official start of the vessel's assembly phase.[1] Construction progressed steadily, involving approximately 1,700 workers in the outfitting of the ship's extensive passenger amenities and technical systems. The vessel was floated out of the drydock on 9 March 2008, allowing for further sea trials and completion work.[10][1] Prior to delivery, a christening ceremony took place on 6 March 2008 in Helsinki, where the ship was named Baltic Princess by Eva Hanschmidt, the Mayor of Tallinn.[1] The handover from the shipyard to operator Tallink occurred on 10 July 2008, following the installation of interior furnishings, navigation equipment, and propulsion systems.[1][15] This timely delivery enabled the vessel to enter service shortly thereafter on the Tallinn–Helsinki route.[10]Technical Specifications
Dimensions and Capacity
The MS Baltic Princess measures 212.10 meters in length overall, with a beam of 29.00 meters and a design draught of 6.42 meters.[16][17] The vessel has a gross tonnage of 48,915 GT.[16] The ship accommodates up to 2,800 passengers across 927 cabins, offering 2,484 berths in configurations including suites with balconies, deluxe sea-view rooms, standard cabins, and economy options.[18] It is supported by a crew of approximately 390 members.[10] Vehicle and cargo facilities include 1,130 lanemeters of deck space, sufficient for 600 cars or 75 trucks and trailers, with dedicated roll-on/roll-off ramps for efficient loading.[18][1] The Baltic Princess features 10 passenger decks, encompassing extensive public areas such as a shopping zone of 1,450 m² with tax-free outlets, fashion boutiques, and specialty stores; conference facilities comprising nine rooms for up to 450 delegates; and recreational amenities including saunas, a children's playroom, and onboard pools.[18][19][1] The vessel holds an ice class rating of 1 A Super, allowing reliable year-round navigation through the icy waters of the Baltic Sea.[18]Propulsion and Machinery
The MS Baltic Princess is powered by four Wärtsilä 16V32 diesel engines, delivering a combined output of 32,000 kW. These engines operate in a diesel-mechanical configuration, driving two controllable-pitch propellers to provide propulsion. This setup enables the vessel to achieve a service speed of 24.5 knots, supporting efficient operations on its routes across the Baltic Sea.[10][15][13] Maneuverability is enhanced by four bow thrusters, each rated at 1,800 kW, which facilitate precise handling during docking and departure. The main engines incorporate selective catalytic reduction (SCR) units to mitigate nitrogen oxide emissions, promoting fuel efficiency and compliance with international environmental regulations. Auxiliary power is generated by multiple diesel-driven generators, supplemented by an emergency generator to ensure uninterrupted electrical supply for onboard systems.[10] The vessel's engineering features include an integrated bridge system equipped with radar, GPS, and autopilot for reliable navigation and safety. Stability is supported by the ship's double bottom construction, which contributes to overall structural integrity during propulsion. Environmentally, the Baltic Princess adheres to IMO Tier II emission standards through its SCR technology and includes a ballast water treatment system to prevent the spread of invasive species.[10]Operational History
Early Service on Tallinn–Helsinki Route
The MS Baltic Princess commenced operations with its maiden voyage departing from Tallinn to Helsinki on 15 July 2008, initiating regular crossings on the approximately 80 km route between Estonia and Finland.[18][20] Designed specifically for short-sea ferry services, the vessel replaced the MS Galaxy and quickly became integral to Tallink's fleet on this high-traffic corridor.[10] On the Tallinn–Helsinki route, the Baltic Princess provided two daily round trips, with each crossing lasting about 2 hours, facilitating efficient transport for both passengers and freight while offering onboard amenities suited to the brief journey.[2][21] This schedule supported the route's role as a vital connection for commuters, tourists, and cargo between the two capitals, accommodating up to 2,800 passengers per sailing alongside significant vehicle capacity.[15] During its first year of service from 2008 to 2009, the ship recorded high occupancy rates averaging 90%, bolstered by positive passenger feedback on its luxury features such as spacious cabins, diverse dining options, and entertainment venues.[22] The vessel adapted effectively to seasonal demands, handling summer tourism peaks with increased sailings and navigating winter ice conditions thanks to its 1A Super ice class rating, ensuring reliable operations year-round.[12] Initially registered and flagged in Estonia under Tallinn, the Baltic Princess underwent minor upgrades in 2009, including enhancements to Wi-Fi connectivity and onboard entertainment systems to improve passenger experience.[23] The ship's introduction contributed to a 15% revenue growth for Tallink on the Tallinn–Helsinki route in its early years, driven by an 18.8% rise in passenger volumes to over 3.4 million on the Estonia-Finland segment, underscoring its economic significance to the operator.[22]Transition to Turku–Stockholm Route
In early 2013, Tallink announced the reassignment of MS Baltic Princess from the Tallinn–Helsinki route to the Turku–Mariehamn–Stockholm service, effective 1 February 2013, as part of a fleet optimization strategy to better match vessels with route lengths and passenger demands for longer voyages.[2] This swap saw the ship replace MS Silja Europa on the new route, while Silja Europa took over the shorter Baltic crossing.[24] Prior to commencing service, MS Baltic Princess underwent reflagging to the Finnish registry with Mariehamn as its home port, effective 1 January 2013, aligning with the route's requirements under Silja Line operations.[15] Although specific drydocking details from January 2013 are limited in public records, the transition period included preparations to enhance suitability for overnight travel, leveraging the ship's existing extensive cabin accommodations—totaling over 900 units across multiple categories—for the extended journey.[1] The Turku–Mariehamn–Stockholm route features daily overnight crossings, with departures from Turku around 20:15 arriving in Stockholm the next morning at approximately 06:30, covering roughly 423 km via the stop in Mariehamn (about 5.5 hours from Turku to Mariehamn and 4.5 hours onward to Stockholm).[25] The service emphasizes a cruise-like experience, with passengers enjoying onboard dining options including buffets, à la carte restaurants featuring Italian and seafood menus, and entertainment such as live music, karaoke, and spa facilities during the transit.[15] Post-transition, operations shifted toward a greater emphasis on leisure and tourism passengers, integrating seamlessly with Silja Line's branding while under Tallink Grupp ownership, which facilitated coordinated marketing across Scandinavian routes.[2] The route quickly established itself as a vital link for regional travel, contributing to Tallink's overall passenger volumes of 9.11 million in 2013 despite a minor year-over-year dip influenced by the fleet adjustments.[26]Notable Incidents
On 4 October 2024, MS Baltic Princess was involved in a near-collision with the Swedish shuttle ferry Eskil while approaching Stockholm in dense fog on the Turku–Stockholm route.[7] The incident occurred when Eskil experienced technical issues with its starboard main engine, triggering recurrent alarms that imposed an abnormally high workload on its master, causing the vessel to drift unintentionally toward Baltic Princess.[27] No physical contact was made, but Baltic Princess's crew adhered to international collision avoidance protocols, executing evasive maneuvers to avert the close pass across its bow.[7] The Swedish Accident Investigation Authority (SHK) launched an inquiry into procedural lapses on Eskil, releasing its final report on 11 July 2025.[27] The report attributed the near-miss primarily to the master's divided attention from the prolonged high workload and insufficient familiarity with the vessel's alarm systems, rather than issues on Baltic Princess, which was cleared of fault.[27] It highlighted potential fatigue factors from the extended demands but noted no specific communication breakdowns between the vessels; no formal recommendations were issued, as the engine manufacturer Yanmar was already addressing alarm system improvements.[27] In June 2015, during a voyage from Stockholm to Turku amid icy Baltic Sea conditions, a young male passenger fell overboard from Baltic Princess, prompting a swift rescue operation with no injuries reported.[28] This incident, occurring in the ship's approach phase to Turku, underscored the challenges of winter navigation but resulted in no damage to the vessel or harm beyond the initial scare. Post-2008 routine inspections by classification societies and flag state authorities have consistently confirmed no major mechanical failures on Baltic Princess, aligning with Tallink Silja's ongoing maintenance protocols.[29] On 30 September 2017, a man was arrested on board Baltic Princess for the alleged sexual assault of a female passenger during an overnight voyage from Stockholm to Turku. The suspect was detained by police upon arrival in Turku and charged with rape.[5] On 15 October 2018, the body of a female passenger in her 30s was discovered in her cabin upon arrival in Turku from Stockholm. The death was ruled non-criminal, possibly due to medical causes, resulting in a 1.5-hour delay of the ship's departure.[5] In June 2023, a drunk passenger was recorded throwing furniture overboard from Baltic Princess during a sailing, leading to his identification and potential charges for endangering the vessel and environment. No injuries or damage occurred.[6] Overall, Baltic Princess maintains a strong safety record, with zero fatalities from operational incidents since entering service in 2008.[5] The vessel complies fully with the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) standards, supported by regular crew drills and adherence to international maritime regulations as verified in company audits.[30]Ownership and Operations
Fleet Role and Ownership Changes
MS Baltic Princess was ordered by the Estonian-based shipping company AS Tallink Grupp in December 2005 as part of its fleet expansion strategy in the Baltic Sea region. Delivered on July 10, 2008, by Aker Yards in Turku, Finland (now Meyer Turku), the vessel entered service under the Tallink brand, initially operating on the Tallinn–Helsinki route to bolster passenger and cargo capacity between Estonia and Finland.[10][12] In early 2013, Baltic Princess underwent a significant operational reassignment, switching routes with MS Silja Europa to serve the Turku–Stockholm line starting February 1, thereby integrating into the operations of Tallink's Finnish subsidiary, Silja Line. This shift enhanced network synergy by aligning the vessel with Silja Line's established Finnish-Swedish services, while her port of registry changed from Tallinn, Estonia, to Mariehamn, Finland, to accommodate regulatory requirements for the route. No subsequent sales, charters, or ownership transfers have been recorded, maintaining continuous control under Tallink Grupp.[2] Within Tallink's fleet, Baltic Princess holds a prominent position as one of the largest cruiseferries, alongside her sister ship Baltic Queen, contributing to a total of 11 active passenger vessels as of 2025. This configuration supports the company's strategic focus on high-volume Baltic passenger transport, carrying over 5 million travelers annually across its routes and reinforcing Tallink's dominance in regional short-sea ferry services.[31][32][33]Current Operations and Future Plans
As of November 2025, MS Baltic Princess continues to provide daily ferry services on the Turku–Mariehamn–Stockholm route under the Silja Line brand operated by Tallink Silja Line, maintaining the stable itinerary established in prior years. The schedule incorporates seasonal adjustments, including extended 40-hour "Day in Stockholm" cruises during peak summer tourism and holiday periods to accommodate higher demand. The vessel serves as a key link for passengers and cargo across the Baltic Sea, with crossings typically lasting about 10.5 hours.[25][34][1] The ship's operational base is its home port of Mariehamn, Finland, under the Finnish flag, with regular maintenance including drydocks conducted in Finnish facilities such as Helsinki and Naantali. In early 2025, it underwent a comprehensive €8 million refurbishment at the BLRT Turku Repair Yard in Naantali, featuring updated passenger interiors, enhanced shopping and dining areas, and eco-friendly modifications like the installation of a Wärtsilä EnergoProFin energy-saving propeller cap to optimize propulsion efficiency. Following the near-collision incident with the ferry Eskil on 4 October 2024 outside Stockholm, which was attributed to high crew workload, Tallink Silja Line implemented broader safety enhancements, including refined operational protocols to mitigate fatigue risks, though specific crew training updates for Baltic Princess were integrated into company-wide standards. Digital booking and onboard systems were also modernized as part of Tallink's fleet-wide digitalization efforts to streamline passenger services.[15][16][4][35][36][7][27] Performance metrics indicate that Baltic Princess contributes to Tallink Silja Line's overall transport of approximately 5.6 million passengers annually across its routes (as of 2024; similar for 2025), with the Turku–Stockholm service handling a significant share amid fluctuating demand; fuel efficiency improvements from recent upgrades align with the company's sustainability goals of achieving at least 2% annual reductions in energy use and CO2 emissions per FuelEU Maritime regulation. Looking ahead, no decommissioning is planned for the vessel, which remains viable through 2030, potentially incorporating route extensions or hybrid propulsion retrofits to comply with EU green shipping mandates aimed at further decarbonizing Baltic Sea operations.[37][38][39][40]References
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Baltic_Princess_%28ship%2C_2008%29