Discover the Superfast-Ix: Ratings & Maritime News

The Hibernia Line has officially welcomed the ferry 'Superfast IX', which has now been renamed 'St. Patrick'. This vessel is set to launch its service on the new route connecting Cork and Boulogne-sur-Mer, with operations expected to begin in mid-June 2026. The rebranding marks a significant step for the Hibernia Line as it prepares to enhance its offerings in the competitive ferry market.

In an exciting development for maritime transport, AS Tallink Grupp has finalized a charter agreement that will see the 'Superfast IX' ferry join the Hibernia Line fleet. This vessel will operate on the Boulogne to Cork route, enhancing services between France and Ireland. A search is currently ongoing for an appropriate replacement ship for the 'Superfast IX', which has been serving the Paldiski-Kapellskär route. Due to its large passenger capacity, the 'Superfast IX' was deemed less than optimal for its previous route. The official handover of the vessel is scheduled for May 1, 2026, at the port of Tallinn. Until this transition, the ferry will continue its role, providing swift transport options for both cargo and passengers traveling with vehicles between Estonia and Sweden. The charter agreement is set for a three-year term, with an option for a two-year extension. Furthermore, there’s a purchase option for the 'Superfast IX' included in the deal. Prior to its deployment with the Hibernia Line, the ferry will undergo essential maintenance at the Turku Repair Yard located in Naantali, Finland, from April 3 to April 18, ensuring it is ready for its new routes.

Marine Atlantic has announced the extension of its charter for the ro-pax vessel ATLANTIC VISION, originally built in 2002. The agreement has been renewed for an additional year, with the contract now set to run until November 2020. Furthermore, the company has secured an option to prolong the charter for up to two more years should the need arise. This strategic decision aims to ensure continued service reliability and connectivity for passengers traveling across the Atlantic.

Tallink Grupp, the prominent Estonian shipping company, has announced an extension of the charter agreement for its Superfast vessel, MV Atlantic Vision. This agreement has been renewed for an additional year, extending the contract with Canadian firm Marine Atlantic until November 2018. The MV Atlantic Vision has been operating under a long-term bareboat charter since November 14, 2008. This decision to extend comes on the heels of a strong financial report for the second quarter of this year, indicating that Tallink Grupp and its subsidiaries experienced a remarkable 83.2 percent surge in net income, reaching EUR 17.9 million (approximately USD 21.01 million) in comparison to EUR 9.8 million (about USD 11.5 million) during the same period last year.

On the evening of July 1, 2016, the ferry 'Atlantic Vision,' en route from North Sydney to Argentia, N.L., faced a minor fire that prompted immediate action from the crew. The incident originated in a crew cabin where smoke was detected emanating from a portable refrigerator. Quick-thinking crew members swiftly extinguished the flames, averting a potentially serious situation. Approximately 250 passengers and 100 crew members were mustered to a lounge area onboard as a precaution while the crew managed the fire suppression efforts. For roughly an hour, passengers remained in the designated area, receiving regular updates about the situation, including a reassuring visit from the ferry’s captain. The fire, which took place on Deck 9, primarily consisting of crew cabins but also housing some passenger accommodations, was effectively contained. Once the situation was controlled, crew members were permitted to return to their respective cabins, although passengers scheduled to board on that deck were relocated to different areas of the ferry. Following the incident, the 'Atlantic Vision' resumed its journey and successfully docked at Argentia on schedule in the morning hours of July 2. The ferry was slated to depart Newfoundland back to North Sydney at 5 p.m. An investigation into the cause of the fire has been ongoing since the event, ensuring thorough scrutiny to prevent future occurrences.