{{Short description|Tallink ferry}} {{Use dmy dates|date = February 2019}} {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = Tallink Superfast IX lifeboat drill in Paldiski South Harbour.jpg | image_caption = The ''Superfast IX'' in Paldiski South Harbour }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/career | hide_header = | country = Cyprus | flag = {{shipboxflag|Cyprus}} | name = *2002–2008: ''Superfast IX'' * 2008-2024: ''Atlantic Vision'' * 2024-2026: ''Superfast IX'' * 2026-present: ''St Patrick'' | owner = *2002–2006: Superfast Ferries * 2006 onwards: Tallink<ref name=FoF>{{cite web |url=http://www.faktaomfartyg.se/superfast_IX_2002.htm |title=M/S ''Superfast IX'' (2002) |access-date=2 April 2008 |last=Asklander |first=Micke |work=Fakta om Fartyg |language=sv }}</ref> | operator = *2002–2006: Superfast Ferries * 2006–2008: Tallink * 2008-2024: Marine Atlantic<ref name=FoF /> * 2024-onwards: Tallink * 2026-present: Hibernia Line | registry = *2002–2006: Piraeus, {{flag|Greece|civil}} 2006–2008: Paldiski, {{flag|Estonia|civil}}
2008-?: Limassol; {{flag|Cyprus}}
?-2024: St. John's, {{flag|Canada}}<ref>[http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/eng/our-fleet.asp?s=MVatlanticVision Port of registry: MS/Atlantic Vision] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015203031/http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/eng/our-fleet.asp?s=MVatlanticVision |date=15 October 2011 }}, retrieved 4 January 2012</ref> 2024: Limassol; {{flag|Cyprus}} 2024-2026: Tallinn; {{flag| Estonia}}
2026-present: Limassol; {{flag|Cyprus}}
| route = Cork–Boulogne-sur-Mer | ordered = | builder = HDW, Kiel, Germany | original_cost = | yard_number = 359<ref name="dnv">{{csr|register=DNV|id=31780|shipname=Atlantic Vision|access-date=13 June 2012}}</ref> | way_number = | laid_down = | launched = 18 November 2000<ref name=FoF /> | completed = | christened = 11 January 2002<ref name=FoF /> | acquired = 8 January 2002<ref name=FoF /> | maiden_voyage = 10 January 2002<ref name=FoF /> | in_service = 10 January 2002<ref name=FoF /> | out_of_service = | identification = *Call sign: ESIJ * {{IMO Number|9211509}}<ref name="dnv" /> * {{MMSI|316007000}} | fate = | status = In service | notes = }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption = (as built)<ref name=FoF /> | type = Ropax ferry | tonnage = *{{GT|30,285}} * {{NetT|10,769}} * {{DWT|5,915}} | displacement = | length = {{convert|203.30|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|25.00|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} | height = | draught = {{convert|6.68|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | depth = {{convert|9.1|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | decks = 10<ref name=Tallink>{{cite web|url=http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/tab2/ships/superfast/technicalInformation/ |title=Tallink Superfast » Technical information |access-date=2 April 2008 |publisher=Tallink official website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080330233021/http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/tab2/ships/superfast/technicalInformation/ |archive-date=30 March 2008 }}</ref> | deck_clearance = | ramps = | ice_class = 1 A Super<ref name=Tallink /> | power = *4{{nbsp}}×{{nbsp}}Wärtsilä-Sulzer 16ZAV40S * 46,000{{nbsp}}kW (combined) | propulsion = *Two shafts, controllable pitch propellers<ref name="dnv" /> * 2 bow thrusters * 1 stern thruster<ref name="Marine Atlantic specs">{{cite web |url=http://209.128.21.80/en/company/visionspecs.shtml |title=MV ''Atlantic Vision'' vessels specifications |access-date=28 January 2009 |publisher = Marine Atlantic |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110704114156/http://209.128.21.80/en/company/visionspecs.shtml |archive-date=4 July 2011 }}</ref> | speed = *{{convert|30.4|kn}} (maximum)<ref name=Tallink /> * {{convert|25.5|kn}} (service)<ref name="Marine Atlantic specs" /> | capacity = *626 passengers (as built) * 728 passengers (after 2004 refit)<ref name=Tallink /> * 962 passengers (after 2008 refit)<ref name="Marine Atlantic specs" /> * 661 cars (as built) * 531 cars (after 2008 refit)<ref name="Marine Atlantic specs" /> * 2,425 lane meters | crew = | notes = }}}}
The '''''St Patrick''''' is a fast ro-pax ferry owned by the Estonian ferry company Tallink and is chartered to the Irish ferry company Hibernia Line. She was built in 2002 as '''''Superfast IX''''' by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft in Kiel, Germany for Superfast Ferries, whose Baltic Sea operations were sold to Tallink in 2006. From 2008 to 2024, she was chartered to Canadian operator Marine Atlantic as '''''Atlantic Vision''''', operating between North Sydney, Nova Scotia, and the Newfoundland ports of Channel-Port aux Basques and Argentia. She re-entered service for Tallink in 2025 under her previous name, before her charter to Hibernia Line for its Cork to Boulogne-sur-Mer service starting in 2026 as ''St Patrick''.
==History== ===2002–2006: Superfast Ferries service=== In 2001 Superfast Ferries had made a deal with the Swedish government to operate a ferry connection between Södertälje in Sweden and Rostock for ten years, starting from spring 2002.{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} ''Superfast IX'' inaugurated this service in January 2002 (she started service on 10 January but wasn't officially named until the 11). The route proved to be unprofitable, and in April of the same year it was closed down, with ''Superfast IX'' laid up at HDW in Kiel. On May of the same year ''Superfast IX'', alongside her sister {{MS|Superfast X}}, started a new service for Superfast, connecting Rosyth (Scotland) to Zeebrugge (Belgium). In February 2004 she was rebuilt with extra cabins at Fosen Mekaniske Verksteder, Fosen, Norway. In November 2005 ''Superfast IX'' was moved to Hanko—Rostock route.<ref name=FoF /> thumb|left|MS ''Superfast IX'' departing Helsinki for Rostock, May 2007
===2006–2008: Tallink service=== In March 2006 Superfast sold their Baltic Sea operations to Tallink for €310 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://64.239.60.141/Adriatic/English/press/NewsDetailed.aspx?IDPrint=62 |title=Conclusion of sale of ''Superfast VII'', ''Superfast VIII'' and ''Superfast IX'' to AS Tallink Grupp |access-date=2 April 2008 |date=21 July 2006 |work=Superfast Ferries press release |publisher=Superfast Ferries }}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Following this ''Superfast IX'' and her sisters were re-registered to Paldiski in Estonia, and the route changed to Hanko—Paldiski—Rostock from April 2006 onwards.<ref name=FoF /> Calling at Paldiski proved problematic as Estonia was not a member of the Schengen Treaty,{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} and in June of the same year the route reverted to Hanko—Rostock.<ref name=FoF /> According to the agreement Tallink could keep the Superfast marketing name until the end of 2007,{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} but the ships' hulls soon sported the texts "Superfast operated by Tallink". From the beginning on the year 2007 the ship's route changed to Tallinn—Helsinki—Rostock, with the West Harbour as the port in Helsinki.<ref name=Port>{{cite web |url=http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/default.asp?docId=13792 |title=Tallinkin Superfast alusten siirtyminen liikennöimään Helsingistä Saksaan |access-date=2 April 2008 |date=7 November 2006 |publisher=Port of Helsinki |language=fi |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927004630/http://www.portofhelsinki.fi/default.asp?docId=13792 |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=dead }}</ref> At the same time all remaining Superfast logos and hull markings were removed.<ref name=FoF /> At the time it was reported that coinciding with the move to sail from Helsinki the Superfast ships would be transferred to the fleet of Tallink's subsidiary Silja Line, but this did not came to pass.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.finnjetweb.com/en/news/index.htm |title=Finnjetweb News: Nothing new in the West |access-date=2 April 2008 |date=23 October 2006 |last=Saken |first=Mathias |work=Finnjetweb }}</ref>
===2008-2024: Marine Atlantic service=== In April 2008 Tallink made an agreement for chartering ''Superfast IX'' to Marine Atlantic, a Canadian Crown Corporation, for five years from October 2008 onwards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tallink.com/mainMenu/pressRoom/stockExchangeReleases/sr_25042008_sf9_charter.htm |title=Charter of MS ''Superfast IX'' |access-date=25 April 2008 |date=25 April 2008 |work=Tallink press release |publisher=Tallink |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080506095132/http://www.tallink.com/mainMenu/pressRoom/stockExchangeReleases/sr_25042008_sf9_charter.htm |archive-date=6 May 2008 }}</ref> The Government of Canada was to provide Marine Atlantic with $101 million over five years to fund the charter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/en/NewVessel/newsrelease.shtml |title=Government of Canada Funds New Vessel for Marine Atlantic Inc. |access-date=27 April 2008 |work=Marine Atlantic press release |publisher=Marine Atlantic |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510125509/http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/en/NewVessel/newsrelease.shtml |archive-date=10 May 2008 }}</ref> The ship was to be used by Marine Atlantic on their service between Port aux Basques, Newfoundland and Labrador and North Sydney, Nova Scotia.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/en/NewVessel/newvessel.shtml |title=Our Ship is coming and she's a beauty |access-date=28 December 2008 |publisher=Marine Atlantic |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207005209/http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/en/NewVessel/newvessel.shtml |archive-date=7 December 2008 }}</ref><ref>Tom Peters, "Marine Atlantic gets bigger ferry: Fuel-efficient vessel will join NS-NL route starting in March", ''The Chronicle Herald'' [Halifax NS], 11 December 2008, p. C2</ref> A naming competition was held for the ship, with students in Newfoundland and Labrador and in Cape Breton eligible to make entries.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/en/Contest/newsrelease.shtml |title=Name the Vessel Contest Launched by Marine Atlantic |access-date=27 April 2008 |work=Marine Atlantic press release |publisher=Marine Atlantic |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090818010353/http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/en/Contest/newsrelease.shtml |archive-date=18 August 2009 }}</ref> On 21 June 2008 the results of the competition were published, and ''Atlantic Vision'' was chosen as the new name for the vessel.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thewesternstar.com/index.cfm?sid=146006&sc=23 |title=''Atlantic Vision'' chosen as ship's new name |access-date=22 June 2008 |date=21 June 2008 |publisher=The Western Star }}</ref>
''Superfast IX'' ceased service with Tallink on 31 August 2008 and subsequently sailed to Turku Repair Yard in Naantali, Finland for reconstruction into her new service.<ref name=FoF /> The changes made included the installation of more powerful bow thrusters, rebuilding the bow and stern ramps, and refurbishing the interiors.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.turkurepairyard.com/index.php?pageID=5&langID=1&catID=227 |title=2008-11, M/S ''Atlantic Vision'' |access-date=28 December 2008 |publisher=Turku Repair Yard Ltd |date=18 December 2008}}</ref> The ship was renamed ''Atlantic Vision'' in November 2008.<ref name=FoF /> The reconstruction was completed on 14 November 2008, and on the same date the ship was officially delivered to Marine Atlantic.<ref name=FoF /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tallink.com/NR/rdonlyres/09E1E09B-2B7A-4F2E-949E-620E1292F02F/0/sfix_charter_start_eng.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110102014611/http://www.tallink.com/NR/rdonlyres/09E1E09B-2B7A-4F2E-949E-620E1292F02F/0/sfix_charter_start_eng.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 January 2011 |title=Charter of ''Superfast IX'' |access-date=18 November 2008 |date=18 November 2008 |work=Tallink press release |publisher=Tallink }}</ref>
''Atlantic Vision'' arrived in St. John's, Newfoundland on 7 December 2008.<ref name=FoF /> A renaming ceremony was held for the ship on 11 December 2008, although she had officially been renamed already during the previous month.<ref name=FoF />
''Atlantic Vision'' entered service on the Port-aux-Basques—North Sydney route on 1 April 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marine-atlantic.ca/en/company/vision.shtml |title=MV ''Atlantic Vision'' |access-date=29 January 2009 |publisher=Marine Atlantic |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218085611/http://marine-atlantic.ca/en/company/vision.shtml |archive-date=18 February 2009 }}</ref> During the summer months, ''Atlantic Vision'''s main purpose is to operate the route between North Sydney and Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador
On March 15, 2024, ''Atlantic Vision'' embarked on her final sailing for Marine Atlantic service, leaving Port aux Basques at 1145am for the last time.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Final Crossing of the Atlantic Vision {{!}} Marine Atlantic |url=https://www.marineatlantic.ca/journey/finalatlanticvisioncrossing |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=www.marineatlantic.ca}}</ref> She entered service for Tallink on the Kapellskär to Paldiski route in April 2025.<ref>[https://www.baltictimes.com/tallink_sells_ferry_star_i__superfast_ix_to_continue_on_the_paldiski-kapellsk_r_route/ Baltic Times. ''Tallink sells ferry Star I, Superfast IX to continue on the Paldiski-Kapellskär route.''] Retrieved 3 April 2025.</ref><ref>Tallink swaps ferries around ''Ships Monthly'' May 2025 page 8</ref>
===2026-present: Hibernia Line service=== In March 2026, it was announced that the ''Superfast IX'' would be chartered to Hibernia Line for 36 months.<ref>{{cite web |date=2026-03-26 |title=Tallink Grupp signs long-term bareboat charter for SUPERFAST IX starting May 2026 |url=https://www.shippax.com/en/news/tallink-grupp-signs-long-term-bareboat-charter-for-superfast-ix-starting-may-2026.aspx |website=Shippax |access-date= 2026-03-28}}</ref> Two months later, she was delivered to Hiberina Line as ''St Patrick'', with both a three-year charter extension and a purchase option included in the agreement. She will operate between Cork and Boulogne-sur-Mer<ref>{{cite web |date=2026-05-05 |title=Hibernia Line takes delivery of ST PATRICK as Cork–Boulogne launch nears |url=https://www.shippax.com/en/news/hibernia-line-takes-delivery-of-st-patrick-as-corkboulogne-launch-nears.aspx |website=Shippax |access-date=2026-05-05}}</ref>
==Incidents== On 27 December 2008, while the ship was still moored in North Sydney awaiting the beginning of service, a fire broke out in one of the two heating units of ''Atlantic Vision'' at 11:50 PM local time. The North Sydney fire department assisted the crew in containing the fire to the boiler room. The fire was extinguished by 1:00 AM on 28 December. No injuries were suffered, but the damage to the ship delayed her entry into service, which was originally slated for March 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/marine-atlantic-investigates-blaze-aboard-newest-ferry-1.739007 |title=Marine Atlantic investigates blaze aboard newest ferry |publisher=CBC News |date=29 December 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230222257/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2008/12/29/nl-ferry-fire.html |archive-date=30 December 2008 |access-date=17 August 2022}}</ref>
''Atlantic Vision'' was again forced to dock when a fire broke out in the second of two heating units on 29 July 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/fire-forces-ferry-to-return-to-n-s-1.777019 |title=Fire forces ferry to return to NS|access-date=29 July 2009 |publisher=CBC News | date=29 July 2009}}</ref> The ferry was briefly taken out of service again on 18 August, after striking the dock in Port-aux-Basques, causing a "small abrasion" in the fender at the stern of the vessel. The damage was inspected and repaired and ''Atlantic Vision'' returned to service later that day.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/n-l-ferry-strikes-dock-repaired-quickly-1.830244 |title=N.L. ferry strikes dock, repaired quickly |publisher=CBC News |date=19 August 2009 |access-date=17 August 2022}}</ref>
On 7 October 2009, Marine Atlantic received a bomb threat directed against ''Atlantic Vision'', which was docked in Port-aux-Basques at the time. The vessel was evacuated and investigated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), but the threat was determined to be a hoax, and she returned to service shortly thereafter.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/hoax-delays-n-l-n-s-ferries-1.845662 |title=Hoax delays N.L., N.S. ferries|publisher=CBC News | date=7 October 2009|access-date=17 August 2022}}</ref>
On 22 December 2009, ''Atlantic Vision'' was again taken out of service after high winds forced the vessel against the fenders during docking procedures at Port-aux-Basques, causing a puncture 5 meters above the waterline at the stern of the vessel. The temporary loss of the ship caused additional delays, as other ferries on the North Sydney - Port-aux-Basques run were unable to dock and offload in Port-aux-Basques while she was being repaired.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/crash-punctures-ferry-between-n-l-and-n-s-1.856349|title=Crash punctures ferry between N.L. and N.S.|access-date=17 August 2022 |publisher=CBC News | date=22 December 2009}}</ref> ''Atlantic Vision'' was repaired and returned to service late on 23 December 2009.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/marine-atlantic-ferries-getting-back-on-schedule-1.859154|title=Marine Atlantic ferries getting back on schedule|access-date=17 August 2022 |publisher=CBC News | date=24 December 2009}}</ref>
==Gallery==
<gallery> Image:MV_Atlantic_Vision_Onboard.JPG|Outer deck File:NL Ferry1 tango7174.jpg|Outer deck File:NL Ferry2 tango7174.jpg|Main lounge File:NL Ferry3 tango7174.jpg|Aisle to restaurant Image:MV_Atlantic_Vision_Restaurant.JPG|Restaurant Image:MV_Atlantic_Vision_Cabin.JPG|4-berth Cabin </gallery>
==References== {{Reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category|IMO 9211509|MV Atlantic Vision}} * [https://www.marineatlantic.ca/onboard-experience/our-fleet/mv-atlantic-vision Marine Atlantic official website for MV ''Atlantic Vision''] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20080416155552/http://www.tallinksilja.com/en/tab2/ships/superfast/ Tallink Silja official website for Tallink Superfast]
{{Superfast VII class}} {{Tallink Grupp ships}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Superfast IX}} Category:Ferries of Estonia Category:Ships built in Kiel Category:2000 ships Category:Superfast VII-class fast ropax ferries