Automation company ABB is set to equip Tallink shuttle vessel Megastar with its comprehensive shore connection solution.
The solution will enable the vessel to plug into the local grid for emission-free overnight layovers in the Port of Tallinn, Estonia.
The ferry sails between the Estonian and Finnish capitals three times in a day. This includes an overnight stay in Tallinn, where it keeps its generators running to provide energy for on-board systems.
Megastar has the capacity to transport 2,800 passengers and 646 cars at a time. It was delivered by Finland’s Meyer Turku shipyard in 2017.
The vessel also features ABB’s propulsion motors, thruster motors and medium voltage generators.
Under the scope of supply for the retrofit, ABB will provide a switchboard, shore connection cabinet and shore connection control board with three separate ship-to-shore communication links.
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By GlobalDataThe solution will allow the vessel to cover its energy requirements at the port through land-based power.
Megastar is said to be one of two ships in the Tallink fleet to deploy the shore connection solution from ABB.
The ferry’s commissioning is expected to take place in January next year.
Furthermore, the second vessel, MyStar, will be pre-fitted with the solution upon its delivery next year.
MyStar is currently being constructed at the Rauma Marine Constructions shipyard in Finland.
In a statement, ABB said: “Both ferries will leverage the ABB shore power systems installed at the Old City Harbor, Port of Tallinn, in 2020.”
The plug-in solution has been created in line with international regulations.
It automates the ship-to-shore connection procedure and provides reliability and safety.
Tallink Grupp ship management head captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik said: “This is another important step for Tallink Grupp towards achieving greener energy use and eco-friendliness for our shipping operations close to city centres, and it will make a big difference to local community in terms of minimising noise and air pollution.”
Last month, ABB introduced a new digital platform, ABB Ability Marine Fleet Intelligence – Advisory, to optimise vessel performance across fleets.