MS Star (2006)

MS Star is a fast Ro-Pax ferry operated by the Estonian ferry company Tallink. She was built at Aker Finnyards Helsinki Shipyard, Finland and entered service on Tallink's Helsinki–Tallinn service on 12 April 2007.

MS Star approaching Helsinki, April 2007.
History
Name:	Star
Owner:	Tallink
Operator:	Tallink
Port of registry:	Tallinn,  Estonia
Route:	Helsinki–Tallinn
Ordered:	1 August 2005
Builder:	Aker Finnyards Helsinki Shipyard, Finland
Yard number:	1356
Laid down:	30 May 2006
Launched:	23 November 2006
Christened:	23 November 2006
Acquired:	10 March 2007
In service:	12 April 2007
Identification:	Call sign: ESCJ IMO number: 9364722 MMSI number: 276672000
Status:	In service
General characteristics
Type:	Fast ropax ferry
Tonnage:	36,249 GT 3,500 DWT
Length:	186.00 m (610 ft 3 in)
Beam:	27.70 m (90 ft 11 in)
Draught:	6.50 m (21 ft 4 in)
Ice class:	1 A
Propulsion:	4 × MaK diesels combined 48,000 kW (64,000 hp)
Speed:	27 kn (50.0 km/h; 31.1 mph)
Capacity:	1,900 passengers 520 passenger beds 450 cars 2,000 lanemeters

Star was the first fast ferry capable of around-the-year service used on the Helsinki–Tallinn route.[1] The ship's design is heavily based on that of MS SeaFrance Rodin, built by Aker Finnyards for SeaFrance in 2001.[2] Originally it was reported the Star would have no passenger beds, but later specifications included beds for 520 passengers, meaning that the ship can offer short overnight cruises to Tallinn as well as a transportation service during the day. The green external livery of the ship is according to Tallink promotion material "meant to reflect the environmentally friendly aspects of the ship's design".[3]

Star has three daily departures from both Helsinki and Tallinn, with one crossing taking two hours. In Tallink marketing, Star has often been referred to as "Tallink Star". The ship's planned original delivery date was 5 April 2007, but this was postponed until 12 April 2007, owing to problems with the main engines. [4]

During COVID-19 outbreak crisis ship was assigned[5] to government emergency service between Paldiski, Estonia, and Sassnitz, Germany to ease transportation of goods between Estonia and Central Europe. Poland had closed borders and required health declarations from truck drivers which introduced long truck queues on borders and slowed transportation.