Germany: Scandlines to Christen New Ferry ‘Berlin’ on 9 March

On 9 March Scandlines and P+S shipyards will be celebrating the christening of the Berlin in Stralsund.

She is the first of two ferry newbuilds that Scandlines will put into service on the Rostock–Gedser route in 2012. Her sister ship, the Copenhagen, will be christened in May, also in Stralsund. By choosing these names for the two new ferries Scandlines is underlining the growing importance of the axis Berlin–Copenhagen for tourism and economic cooperation between Germany and Scandinavia.

In December 2011 the Berlin left the shipbuilding hall in Stralsund for the first time. In the course of the roll-out and launching ceremony she came into contact with her intended watery element for the first time. The christening on 9 March marks the ceremonial high- water mark on her way to entering service in spring 2012.

The new Scandlines ferry Berlin stands for speed, service and modernity. The wedge- shaped hull was specially developed to be a striking and timeless design. The steeply raked panelling and large glazed areas with rounded corner windows on the passenger deck give the ferry a dynamic appearance and provide plenty of natural light. Passengers can choose from a wide variety of catering facilities, while the shops on board make crossings an pleasant experience. Colours and details of the Berlin coffee house in the forward area of the catering deck are inspired by the German Bauhaus movement. It’s a pleasure for the eye, which is enhanced by the aroma of the finest fresh coffee. In the centre of the ferry the cafeteria foodXpress and its adjoining children’s play area offer a welcome break. The all-inclusive Baltic Buffet in the rear service area provides variety and delicious food with fresh buffets prepared around different themes. The Travel Shop on the Berlin is opened for passengers around the clock and stocks an extensive range of spirits, wine and confectionery. Travellers can also expect a wide-ranging assortment of toys, high-quality perfumes, cosmetics and skin-care products, gift articles and Scandinavian design classics.

[mappress]

World Maritime News Staff, February 13, 2012; Image: Scandlines