Reviews & Ratings for the Regina-Seaways

After an explosion in its engine room on October 3, the ferry "Regina Seaways" resumed operations following emergency repairs conducted in Klaipeda. However, due to one of its Wärtsilä main engines remaining inoperative, the vessel was compelled to change its route from the Kiel-Klaipeda service to the Klaipeda-Karlshamn route to accommodate its reduced speed. The ferry departed from Klaipeda on October 8 and made its inaugural call at Karlshamn the very next day, October 9. To fill the gap left by the "Regina Seaways," the "Athena Seaways" was redirected to the Kiel-Klaipeda route, with its first departure taking place on October 8 as well. Comprehensive repairs for the "Regina Seaways" are slated for the winter months when maritime traffic is typically lower.

On the morning of October 3, two tugs successfully maneuvered the ferry 'Regina Seaways' from its berth at the Klaipeda ferry terminal to a repair yard. The vessel arrived in port the previous evening after its sister ship, 'Athena Seaways,' had already departed. Following the arrival, crew members efficiently disembarked all passengers and cargo to ensure the safety of those onboard. Subsequently, Lithuanian authorities, along with representatives from the attending classification society, boarded the ship to conduct a thorough investigation into a suspected crankshaft explosion. During this period, the ferry 'Victoria Seaways' will continue its regular service on the Kiel-Klaipeda route and will receive additional support from the ferries 'Patria Seaways' and 'Maestro Universe' over the upcoming weekend. For more details and images, visit the coverage on [Søfart](https://www.soefart.dk/article/view/624619/regina_seawayspassagerer_blev_underholdt_af_symfoniorkester), [World Maritime News](https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/261798/fire-stricken-regina-seaways-reaches-klaipeda-port/), and [Obzor](https://www.obzor.lt/news/n42978.html).

The REGINA SEAWAYS ferry experienced an engine room malfunction while navigating the Baltic Sea en route from Kiel, Germany to Klaipeda, Lithuania, approximately southeast of Bornholm, at around 1340 LT on October 2. While specifics regarding the incident remain unclear, initial reports suggest a potential explosion in the engine room triggered alarms and activated the firefighting system. This situation led to the ferry experiencing a blackout, as it went off AIS monitors around 0430 UTC, only to re-emerge at approximately 1530 UTC, resuming travel at a reduced speed of 14 knots towards its destination in Klaipeda. As the ferry approached Klaipeda, it was being escorted by at least two tugboats. There were 335 passengers aboard, and while some updates indicated possible evacuations, official communications suggest that all passengers are still on board the vessel. According to the latest statement from officials, there was no fire, and reports of an explosion were not confirmed. The activated alarms and firefighting measures were ultimately a response to dense smoke believed to be caused by a malfunction. As of 1620 UTC on October 2, the situation is reportedly under control. No injuries or significant damages have been reported, with the REGINA SEAWAYS sailing under its own power towards Klaipeda, emphasizing the crew's effective management of the situation.