Viking Line to deploy ‘world’s largest’ all-electric ferry on Helsinki-Tallinn route

Viking Line, a Finnish shipping company, is planning to introduce a zero-emission route between Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia, utilizing what is being touted as the world’s largest all-electric passenger ferry. The ferry, named Helios, is expected to start operations in the 2030s in the Gulf of Finland pending approval of funding from the EU’s Innovation Fund.

The concept for the ferry, developed by Viking Line in collaboration with shipbuilder Rauma Marine Constructions and other partners, includes a battery capacity of approximately 85-100 megawatt hours (MWh) and the capability to carry up to 2,000 passengers on the two-hour journey across the Gulf. The vessel is expected to be 195 meters long, 30 meters wide, and reach speeds of around 23 knots, requiring a charging capacity of over 30 MWh.

Viking Line’s CEO, Jan Hanses, highlighted the significance of establishing a green maritime corridor between Estonia and Finland through electric shipping, emphasizing the importance of efficient charging infrastructure in ports. The company plans to deploy at least two electric vessels on the Helsinki-Tallinn route, with the home port set to be Jätkäsaari in Helsinki.

The initiative aligns with the FIN-EST Green Corridor project, a collaboration between Helsinki and Tallinn, aiming to promote emission-free shipping in the Gulf of Finland. Viking Line has been investing in low-emission technologies, including the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG), biogas, and biofuel on its fleet of vessels to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

With the growing demand for connections between Finland and the Baltic region, the company is committed to transitioning towards sustainable shipping practices to meet stringent environmental regulations and contribute to climate neutrality in the maritime industry.