Tallink Silja announced that its ferry Victoria I, which travels between Helsinki and Tallinna, will be out of service for two weeks starting this Sunday. The ferry is scheduled to undergo maintenance work at a shipyard in Naantali, which includes significant upgrades such as the construction of a new passenger entrance on deck 7. This change allows the ferry to dock at a different berth in Helsinki's port as extensive renovations are set to take place in the West Harbor over the coming years.

In addition to the new entrance, the maintenance work involves servicing the vessel's underwater hull, which includes cleaning the hull and renewing coatings that reduce water resistance. The ferry's seawater pipes and valves are also being replaced to ensure optimal operation. Victoria I, built in 2004, is well-known for its popular 22-hour cruises between Helsinki and Tallinna and is expected to return to the route on Sunday, March 15.

The announced changes come at a time when the Helsinki-Tallinna route is experiencing increased demand, and maintenance activities are crucial for ensuring safety and efficiency in ferry operations. As the maritime industry adapts to future demands, such updates are essential for maintaining competitive and reliable transport links between Finland and Estonia.