“Indeed, the ecological side of things played an important role. I’m the Chairman of the Board of WWF Finland, and together with Liisa Rohweder, the Secretary General of WWF Finland, we carefully analysed the accuracy of the Megastar’s environmental claims.
We think that the WWF Panda only attends proper events, and this is a highly proper event,”
Halonen said at the Megastar’s christening ceremony, held at the Meyer Turku shipyard on 01.07.2016.
The Baltic Sea is used for many purposes. In addition to recreational use, it has several other dimensions, as well. It is one of the smallest maritime regions in the world, while also having one of the world’s largest volumes of maritime traffic. The safety of the ships, and the training of staff are important matters.
“Megastar was created with sustainable development in mind, and represents a new wave of ecological thinking.
As a godmother, I also bestowed my life advice on the ship, focusing mainly on this sustainable development,”
Halonen emphasised.
Cultural collaboration
Halonen is also known as an active friend of Estonian culture. She has been involved with the Tuglas Society, and as a politician and a private individual, she has always followed Estonian events since the restoration of Estonian independence. Ferry connections between Helsinki and Tallinn help to maintain connections.
“We have to find our friendship again. Of course, we are friends, but it’s like a relationship which won’t last without contact. There is some room for brotherly or sisterly rivalry. We have to see collaboration opportunities in the global competition. This ship project is a good example of good collaboration! And we’re not too jealous to have any other countries around the Baltic Sea join us, such as Germans,” Halonen referred to the owners of the Meyer shipyard where the ship is being built.
An observant godmother
Halonen intends to be an active godmother, not just a name on a plaque somewhere.
“I intend to follow what’s going on in the Megastar’s life from now on. There’s no need to tell passengers that the ship has an observant godmother,” Halonen joked to the guests of the ceremony.
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