Last week, Tallink Grupp, a maritime transportation company, entered into a contract with Bridgemans Floatel LP/Bridgemans Services Group LP, a Canadian enterprise, for a multi-year bareboat charter of its vessel Isabelle, with an option to purchase. Under the agreement, Tallink Grupp's crew will not be included in the charter arrangement.
The Isabelle, which is registered under the Latvian flag, previously operated on Tallink Grupp's Riga-Stockholm route until the Covid pandemic disrupted operations. Since April 2022, the vessel has been used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees in Tallinn as part of a charter agreement with the Estonian government.
Starting from July 1, 2023, the Isabelle will be chartered to Bridgemans Floatel LP/Bridgemans Services Group LP, and is expected to undergo refurbishment in Tallinn before sailing to Canada later this year.
Tallink Grupp's current agreement with the Estonian Social Insurance Board, which involves the use of the Isabelle to house Ukrainian refugees, will expire in June 2023. Approximately 900 refugees are currently residing on board the vessel, but the Estonian authorities have made alternative accommodation arrangements for them after the termination of Tallink Grupp's contract.