MV Nova Star

MV Nova Star is a Ropax cruiseferry, currently operating between Poland and Scandinavia under the ownership of Polferries.

MV Nova Star in Portland, Maine
History
Name
  • Nova Star (2014-present)
  • Norman Leader (2011-2014)
Owner
Operator
  • Polferries (2018-present)
  • Inter Shipping (2016-2017)
  • Nova Star Cruises (2014-2015)
Port of registryNassau, Bahamas
Route
Ordered2008
BuilderSingapore Technologies Shipbuilding, Singapore
Laid down2008
Launched8 October 2009
Christened2011
Completed2011
Acquired2014
Maiden voyage15 May 2014[1]
In service2014 - 2015
Identification
General characteristics
Tonnage27,444 GT 4,145 DWT
Length161 m (528 ft)
Beam26 m (85 ft)
Draught6.05 m (19.8 ft)
Ramps1 bow ramp;

2 stern ramp on deck 3 and 5;

1 tiltable ramp connecting Deck 3 to Deck 5
Installed power4× MAN Diesel 10L32/44CR Diesel engines, 22,400 kW (30,000 hp) total[2]
Propulsion2 shafts, 2 controllable pitch propellers
Speed21.4 kn (24.6 mph; 39.6 km/h)[2]
Capacity1,215

Construction and service history

The vessel was built by ST Marine in Singapore for LD Lines, which signed a $179 million contract for the vessel in 2007.[2] She was intended to operate in the English Channel, but her contract was canceled in 2011 before she could take her maiden voyage to France.[2]

Initially named Norman Leader, the vessel remained under the ownership of her builder, ST Marine, until being acquired by Nova Star Cruises in 2014 and renamed MV Nova Star for the Gulf of Maine service. She ran seasonal operations between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia under Nova Star Cruises for two seasons. Following the decision not to renew Nova Star Cruises' license to operate the service at the end of the 2015 season, Nova Star Cruises subsequently closed and Gulf of Maine operations were taken over by Bay Ferries, which has previously operated ferries in the region prior to Nova Star Cruises.

Once her Gulf of Maine service ended, Nova Star was purchased by the Moroccan company Inter Shipping. Following her arrival in Algeciras in February 2016, it was made apparent that Nova Star's bow ramp was too short to operate the service, therefore delaying her entry into service. She eventually began operating between Algeciras, Spain and Tangier, Morocco under the ownership and operation of Inter Shipping. She ran this route until 2018, when she was then purchased by Polferries, who currently operate her on the route between Poland and Scandinavia.

Vessel details

Nova Star is an average-sized cruiseferry. Its dimensions are 161 m (528 ft) length by 25 m (82 ft) width. The vessel is capable of a top speed of 21 kn (39 km/h), and weighs roughly 27,450 GT.

The ship features a large variety of cruise-ship like features, including two restaurants, three bars, a casino gaming facility, and a duty-free retail shop.[3] The ship also includes a children play area, live on-board entertainment, a spa and art gallery.

The vessel has 163 cabins and a capacity of 1,215 passengers.[2] She can carry 336 car-equivalents and/or 38 commercial vehicles (semi-trailer rigs or buses) and commensurately fewer cars.[4]

References
  1. Tina Comeau (May 15, 2014). "Nova Star's making its maiden voyage Thursday evening". The Vanguard. Retrieved May 15, 2014.
  2. "Portland-Nova Scotia ferry departs from Singapore". Portland Press Herald. March 15, 2014. Retrieved September 29, 2015.
  3. "Nova Scotia ferry to feature restaurants, theater, casino | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram". Pressherald.com. 2013-11-19. Retrieved 2014-02-01.
  4. Tom Bell (2014-01-02). "Lack of key details holds up new ferry service marketing". kjonline.com. Retrieved 2014-02-02.
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