Viking Line is preparing to launch an entirely emission-free service between Helsinki and Tallinn, and has unveiled a new vessel concept as proof that a green maritime corridor across the Gulf of Finland could be realized as early as the beginning of the 2030s.
Upon realisation, the concept vessel, named Helios, would be the world’s largest electric passenger-car ferry. With a battery capacity of around 85–100MWh, Helios could transport 2,000 passengers and 650 cars across the Gulf of Finland in just over two hours. The length of the concept vessel is 195m, the width 30m and the speed approximately 23 knots. The freight capacity on board is approximately 2,000 lane metres. Helios is based on a research collaboration between Viking Line and Rauma shipyard, working with other partners. The concept is specifically designed for the Helsinki–Tallinn route, as the 80km, or 43 naut mile, route is considered well suited for electric vessel traffic. The electric vessel is charged while the ship is in port, requiring a charging capacity of 30MWh-plus.
Viking Line CEO Jan Hanses said: “Helios heralds a new era in maritime transport, just like the first sail, steam, and motor ships did in their time. The concept proves that large-scale emission-free maritime transport is no longer a utopia. The world’s largest fully electric passenger-car ferries could be in operation as early as the beginning of the next decade. We are strongly committed to realising the ambitious vision that Helios represents.”
Viking Line says it has paved the way for low-emission shipping by investing in new technologies. Viking Grace, delivered in 2013, was the world’s first passenger ship to use both LNG and biogas as fuel. In 2022, Viking Grace was paired with an even more climate-smart vessel, Viking Glory. Through these ship investments, Viking Line’s travellers can now choose biofuel for an additional fee, thereby reducing the emissions from their trip by 90%. In addition, Viking Line’s first freight customers have signed agreements to use biofuel. Emission-free shipping in the Gulf of Finland is promoted by the FIN-EST Green Corridor project, launched by the cities of Helsinki and Tallinn, whose founders and members also include the ports of Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia’s Ministry of Climate and the companies Viking Line, Rederi Eckerö and Tallink Grupp.
Hanses continued: “It is great that both cities and their ports have committed to creating a green maritime corridor. Electric shipping is not created solely by ship investments. It also requires efficient, reliable charging infrastructure in ports. The home port for the new electric vessels would be Jätkäsaari, where the Port of Helsinki has a development and expansion programme underway until 2032. The progress of this project is extremely important for our own plans.”
Most passenger and freight traffic from the Port of Helsinki is destined for Estonia. According to the Port of Helsinki’s forecasts, passenger traffic between the city’s West Harbour and Tallinn will increase from 5.5m passengers in 2024 to 11.6m by 2040, while cargo volumes are expected to grow significantly.
Hanses concluded: “The Helsinki–Tallinn route performed particularly well last year, and we believe volume will continue to increase – there is strong demand, based on need, for connections between Finland and the Baltics. EU emissions trading fees and tightening regulations place an ever larger burden on fossil fuel-based maritime traffic every year, but emission-free technology would enable us to increase capacity on the route. Our goal is to order two electric ships for the route, which would double our current capacity year-round.”
The newly announced electric passenger-car ferry concept serves as a basis for continued planning and for the invitation to tender to shipyards. Viking Line has submitted a funding application to the EU’s Innovation Fund for the construction of the ferry.
Image: Viking Line’s ‘Helios’ electric ro-pax concept (credit: Viking Line)
