ABB shore connection retrofit for ferry

Fuelled by LNG, the passenger and car ferry Megastar makes three return journeys between the Estonian and Finnish capitals per day, with an overnight stay in Tallinn. With ABB’s shore connection solution, the vessel will be able to cover its energy needs in port by drawing on land-based power.

“The Baltic Sea is a global hub for sustainable shipping initiatives, and we are honoured to support Tallink on its sustainability journey,” said Jyri Jusslin, head of service, ABB Marine & Ports. “Our shore connection solutions comprise onboard and shoreside infrastructure and will allow Tallink to reduce the overall impact of its operations and contribute towards a cleaner port environment in a historical part of Tallinn.”

Delivered by the Meyer Turku shipyard, Finland in 2017, Megastar carries up to 2,800 passengers and 646 cars at a time. It is the second vessel in Tallink’s fleet to feature ABB’s shore connection solution with work taking place in January 2022 whilst the ferry is in operation. MyStar, currently under construction, will be pre-fitted with the solution upon delivery, also in 2022.

The scope of supply for the retrofit includes switchboard, shore connection cabinet and control board with three separate ship-to-shore communication links to safeguard against loss of connection – redundant Wi-Fi, optical fibre and hardwired serial data communication. Megastar also features ABB’s propulsion motors, medium voltage generators and thruster motors.