MS Star approaching Helsinki, April 2007
History
Name
  • Star (2007–2023)
  • Oscar Wilde (2023–Present)
OwnerTallink (2007–Present)
Operator
Port of registryLimassol,  Cyprus (2023–Present)
RouteRosslare - Pembroke
Ordered1 August 2005
BuilderAker Finnyards Helsinki Shipyard, Finland
Yard number1356
Laid down30 May 2006
Launched23 November 2006
Christened23 November 2006
Acquired10 March 2007
Maiden voyage2007
In service12 April 2007
Identification
StatusIn service
General characteristics
TypeFast ropax ferry
Tonnage
Length186.00 m (610 ft 3 in)
Beam27.70 m (90 ft 11 in)
Draught6.50 m (21 ft 4 in)
Ice class1 A Super
Propulsion
  • 4 × MaK diesels
  • combined 48,000 kW (64,000 hp)
Speed27 kn (50.0 km/h; 31.1 mph)
Capacity
  • 2,080 passengers
  • 134 cabins
  • 520 passenger beds
  • 450 cars
  • 2,380 lanemeters

MS Oscar Wilde is a fast Ro-Pax ferry operated by Irish Ferries on the Rosslare - Pembroke route on charter from Tallink. She was built as the Star at Aker Finnyards Helsinki Shipyard, Finland for Tallink and entered service on their Helsinki - Tallinn service on 12 April 2007.

History

Star was the first fast ferry capable of around-the-year service used on the Helsinki–Tallinn route.[1] The green external livery of the ship is according to Tallink promotion material "meant to reflect the environmentally friendly aspects of the ship's design".[2]

Star operated three daily departures from both Helsinki and Tallinn, each crossing taking two hours. In Tallink marketing, Star has often been referred to as "Tallink Star". The ship's planned original delivery date was 5 April 2007, but this was postponed until 12 April 2007, owing to problems with the main engines.[3]

During the COVID-19 outbreak crisis the ship was assigned[4] to a government emergency service between Paldiski, Estonia, and Sassnitz, Germany to ease the transportation of goods between Estonia and Central Europe. Poland had closed its borders and required health declarations from truck drivers which introduced long truck queues on its borders and slowed transportation.

Irish Ferries

On April 6, 2023, Irish Ferries announced they were chartering the Star from Tallink for 20 months, with possible extensions of 2+2 years, and an eventual possibility of purchase.[5][6] The ship was renamed Oscar Wilde and will initially be positioned on the Rosslare - Pembroke route, replacing the also chartered Greek ferry Blue Star 1.[7]

Specifications

The ship's design is heavily based on that of MS SeaFrance Rodin, built by Aker Finnyards for SeaFrance in 2001.[8]

References

  1. ↑ Tallink press release: Tallink's New Vessel Star Started on Tallinn–Helsinki Route Archived 2007-10-06 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved 8. 10. 2007
  2. ↑ Tallink press release: Tallink's New Vessel Named Superstar Archived 2008-04-15 at the Wayback Machine, retrieved 8. 10. 2007
  3. ↑ Turun Sanomat: M/S Star delayed by a week, retrieved on 29. 3. 2007
  4. ↑ , Tallinki laev Star jätkab Paldiski-Sassnitzi liinil tihedat seilamist, retrieved on 2020-03-25
  5. ↑ "Long-term charter agreement for the shuttle vessel Star". 2023-04-06.
  6. ↑ "Irish Ferries introduces new Cruise Ferry". Irish Ferries. 2023-04-06.
  7. ↑ "Oscar Wilde | Irish Ferries | Rosslare Pembroke". www.irishferries.com. Retrieved 2023-05-14.
  8. ↑ (in Finnish) FCBS Forum: Tallink tilasi nopeakulkuisen lautan Aker Finnyardsilta, retrieved 8. 10. 2007

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