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Economy minister concludes contract with Tallinna Sadam for ferry operations

BC, Tallinn, 11.12.2014.Print version
Estonian Economy and Infrastructure Minister Urve Palo and state owned port operator AS Tallinna Sadam (Port of Tallinn) signed on Thursday an agreement for operating ferry connection between Estonia's mainland and the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, reports LETA.

Photo: portoftallinn.com

The state concluded the contract with Tallinna Sadam for ten years, beginning from 1 October 2016, announced the Ministry of Economy.

 

The subsidy to be paid by the state to Tallinna Sadam's subsidiary for 10 years is approximately 200 million euros. The exact size of the subsidy depends on inflation, the amount of trips commissioned by the state and the number of passengers.

 

Tallinna Sadam builds four new ferries for the Saaremaa and Hiiumaa lines by 1 October 2016, two for each route. The passenger ferries allow for all-year-round transport with no need for external towing or ice breaking services. Each ship can accommodate at least 150 cars and at least 600 passengers, including at least 400 cabin seats.

 

Palo estimated that today, islanders can have confidence that good service will continue after two years and in a greater extent. "The investment in the new vessels is significant and I have high expectations to the service provider."

 

Tallinna Sadam council chairman Remo Holsmer said that the company is already in the stage with the ship designers and builders where the technical details of the ships are being finalised, and construction will begin next year as planned.






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