Tallink Grupp has confirmed a new long-term bareboat charter arrangement for its vessel SUPERFAST IX. The agreement will see the ship leased for an initial period of 36 months, beginning on 1 May 2026.
The contract also allows for the charter to be extended twice, with two optional 12-month renewal periods, and includes a clause giving the charterer the option to purchase the vessel.
SUPERFAST IX is expected to be operated by Hibernia Line, a newly established ferry company intending to introduce a direct route between Ringaskiddy in Cork, Ireland, and Boulogne-sur-Mer in France. The planned service will cater to both passengers and freight, with up to six sailings per week, offering a connection to mainland Europe that avoids reliance on the UK land corridor.
Built in 2002, the vessel most recently served on Tallink’s Paldiski–Kapellskär route in the Baltic. It rejoined the company in 2025 after being on a 15-year charter with Canada’s Marine Atlantic, where it operated under the name ATLANTIC VISION. Following its return, it was reassigned within the Baltic network after the sale of the ferry STAR I to Irish Continental Group in the same year.
It was reported in recent weeks that Laurence Goodman, chairman of ABP Food Group and son of Larry Goodman, had invested an initial €20m into the service.
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Photo: Tallink
