Tallink charters out “Superfast IX”: Ferries could operate between Ireland and France in future
The shipping company Tallink Grupp is reorganizing its fleet. The passenger ship “Superfast IX” will be chartered out on a long-term basis from May 2026. Tallink is already looking for a replacement for the route between Estonia and Sweden.
Long-term charter agreement concluded
Tallink has concluded a contract for a so-called bareboat charter. The ship will be handed over without a crew. The initial term is 36 months from May 1, 2026.
The contract also includes an option to extend the contract for a further two years and a purchase option for the charterer. For Tallink, this means one thing above all: stable income instead of fluctuating capacity utilization in its own operations.
Deployment could take place on new route France – Ireland
According to industry reports, the “Superfast IX” could operate for the new shipping company Hibernia Line in future. This company is planning a new ferry connection between Cork (Ireland) and Boulogne-sur-Mer (France).
Up to six departures per week are planned. The route is intended to create a direct connection between Ireland and mainland Europe – without a detour via the UK.
This means that the “Superfast IX” could soon play an important role in traffic between Ireland and France. The TT-Line Ferry Akka is apparently also under discussion with Hibernia Line.
Changes to the Paldiski-Kapellskär route
Until now, the ship has been operating on the Paldiski (Estonia) – Kapellskär (Sweden) route. Tallink intends to continue serving this route, but with a more suitable ship.
CEO Paavo Nõgene explains that the “Superfast IX” is not ideally suited for this connection due to its large passenger capacity. Instead, Tallink is looking for a ship with the right size and equipment.
For you as a traveler, this means that the connection will remain, but will be served by a different ferry in the future.
Handover and shipyard stay in spring
Before the ship is handed over, it will undergo scheduled maintenance. This will take place from April 3 to 18 at the shipyard in Naantali(Finland).
The official handover will then take place on May 1st in Tallinn. Until then, the “Superfast IX” will remain in service as usual and continue to transport passengers and vehicles between Estonia and Sweden.
Ship with a turbulent past
The “Superfast IX” was built back in 2002 and has a long operational history. Most recently, she was in service with Marine Atlantic in Canada for many years before returning to Tallink in 2025.
She was put back into service on the Baltic Sea after her return. The new charter contract marks the beginning of another chapter for the ship.
Strategy: More efficient fleet and stable revenue
Tallink is pursuing a clear strategy with the chartering. The fleet is to be deployed more efficiently. At the same time, the company secures long-term income through the charter contract.
The change could also be exciting for the European ferry market. If the new route between Ireland and France starts, it will create an additional connection that is particularly interesting for freight and travelers.
