Slaapschepen Public has, on behalf of the Dutch Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers, chartered two ferries up till now serving traffic in the Baltic.

Silja Europa, previously sailing between Helsinki and Tallinn, will start the new assignment in the Netherlands on 20 August 2022, while Galaxy (Stockholm-Turku) will join her on 20 September 2022.

Both have been taken in for seven months, with an option for an additional quarter of a year.

The charter covers Tallink Grupp's technical crew only.

"The charter agreement is, from today's perspective, necessary to stabilise the economy in the long run. The agreement concerning Galaxy means, unfortunately, that 265 of the crew in Sweden will receive dismissal notice because of lack of work, which is terribly sad news," Ats Joorits, CEO, Tallink Silja AB, said.

He added, "Following these measures Tallink Grupp will be able to stand strong on the day our traffic can return to full capacity. Currently, this is the best we can do for the company's future."

Silja Europa and Galaxy will join Isabelle and Victoria I; the former provides accommodation for refugees in Tallinn, while the latter - in Scotland.

Photo: Tallink Grupp/Marko Stampehl