A new ship starts sailing between Helsinki and Tallinn today – see what the €247 million ship you had to wait almost a year for looks like

/ Tourism

Almost two football fields long, the ship can carry 2 800 passengers. With a maximum speed of 27 knots, MyStar cost €247 million.

Less leather and rubber than in cars. More textiles, wood and plastics.

A round design lamp on the wall of a passenger ship.
Tallink shipping company paid almost a quarter of a billion for MyStar.

A new ship has been expected. MyStar, built by Rauma Marine Constructions, was originally due to be delivered to Tallink last Christmas. The vessel was scheduled to enter service at the beginning of this year.

Beauty products on the shelves of the ship's store.
A day before the first voyage, the shelves of the ship’s shop were still being stocked with the last products.

The start of the MyStar service was delayed several times during the autumn, beyond the dates announced by the shipping company. Technical problems and adjustment needs, such as in the propulsion and steering system, were encountered during test runs of the vessel.

Driving slower saves fuel

– Now, however, we don’t want to look back, but forward, says Nõgene and promises more travel comfort and technical progress with MyStar.

The ship’s engines run on both LNG natural gas and diesel. The ship has been designed down to the hull in such a way that less power is needed to reach the same speed than in the shipping company’s previous flagship, the MegaStar.

Seats on the ship designed in dark and light tones.
MyStar can accommodate up to 2 800 passengers.

While at the dock, MyStar uses shore power, which means it does not have to generate operating current with its own auxiliary engines. However, this is only at night. During the day, the berthing time is too short to connect to shore power.

A ship equipped with Tallink registration arrives at the port accompanied by a traditional water cannon salute.
On 10 December, MyStar arrived in Tallinn and was welcomed with a water cannon salute.

The beauty of the Baltic Sea inspired interior designers

– There is a clear difference in the world between car ferries and cruise ships, they are a bit like buses and taxis. With MyStar, we have made a leap from the ferry world towards the experiential nature of cruise travel, says Kivi.

A man wearing glasses and wearing a dark jacket gives an interview.
MyStar’s interior design was intended to draw attention to the Baltic Sea, but avoid a preachy approach, says Vertti Kivi.

According to him, the main theme of the ship’s interior is the Baltic Sea and its beauty.

– We started from what is brilliant, beautiful and unique that can be found above and below the surface of the Baltic Sea.

The designers used, for example, close-up photos of small feathers enlarged to huge sizes as interior elements.

Illuminated winter garden at the stern of the ship.
A garden-like seating area is located aft of the ship.

Only 46 cabins have been built for a maximum of 2,800 passengers. According to Paavo Nõgene, it is a conscious choice.

– The cabins are intended mostly for truck drivers. Two hours is such a short time that other passengers don’t use the cabins any worse, he reasons.

MyStar starts operating today, Tuesday, at 1:30 p.m. with a departure from Tallinn to Helsinki.

*You can discuss the topic until Wednesday, December 14 at 11 p.m.*