The retrofit includes a switchboard, a shore connection cabinet, and a shore connection control board with three separate ship-to-shore communication links to safeguard against the loss of connection - redundant Wi-Fi, optical fiber, and hardwired serial data communication.

The commissioning is to take place in January 2022.

Megastar makes three return journeys between the Estonian and Finnish capitals per day, staying overnight in Tallinn. There it needs to keep generators running to ensure energy availability for onboard systems. With ABB's shore connection solution, the vessel will cover its energy needs in port by drawing on land-based power.

ABB has also supplied the onshore power supply facility in Tallinn's Old City Harbour.

"This is another important step for Tallink Grupp towards achieving greener energy use and eco-friendliness for our shipping operations close to city centers, and it will make a big difference to local community in terms of minimizing noise and air pollution," Captain Tarvi-Carlos Tuulik, Tallink Grupp's Head of Ship Management, commented.

Jyri Jusslin, ABB Marine & Ports' Head of Service, added, "The Baltic Sea is a global hub for sustainable shipping initiatives, and we are honoured to support Tallink on its sustainability journey. 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."

Tallink & Silja Line's newbuild ferry MyStar, scheduled for delivery next year, will be pre-fitted with a shore connection by ABB, too.

The company has commissioned or contracted to do so 150 vessels of various types with its shore connection technology.

Photo: Tallink Grupp