Leiger reaches Estonia's Kuivastu harbor
The Leiger, the first of the four new ferries ordered by Estonian state-owned Port of Tallinn subsidiary TS Laevad for operation on routes connecting Estonia's mainland to its two biggest islands, arrived at Kuivastu Harbor on the island of Muhu during the early morning hours of Saturday.
The new ferry traveled exactly 4,665.4 nautical miles from Sefine Shipyard in Turkey to Estonia's Kuivastu Harbor.
Ferry captain Hanno Naaber stated as he disembarked in Kuivastu that the more than month-long journey was in every way a positive experience for him. Despite some inclement weather, he said, the ship behaved well out on the sea and "...not one nut or bolt came loose from the ship during the long journey."
According to the captain, the first berthing of this type of ship at Kuivastu Harbor went off without a hitch.
The new ferry's next stop is Heltermaa Harbor in Hiiumaa, and from there on to Rohuküla Harbor. On Saturday evening, the Leiger will then head on to Tallinn, where the vessel will be further outfitted with a kitchen, onboard store, wifi and other amenities, infographics will be updated, training will take place and the Leiger will undergo inspection by the Estonian Maritime Administration and related authorities.
The official christening of the Leiger is set to take place on Dec. 19 in Tallinn's Old City Harbour, after which the vessel is expected to enter into service on the Rohuküla-Heltermaa route shortly before Christmas.
Editor: Editor: Aili Vahtla