With the help of Rauma Marine Constructions and other research partners, the company has unveiled the concept of an all-electric (85-100MWh) ferry for the Helsinki-Tallinn service.
The 195 by 30 metres ship will offer room for 2,000 passengers likewise 2,000 lane metres for cargo. With a speed of 23 knots, Viking Helios will complete the crossing between the two capital seaports in two hours.
"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 realizing the ambitious vision that Helios represents," commented Viking Line's CEO, Jan Hanses.
He furthered, "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."
Hanses also noted, "The Helsinki-Tallinn route performed particularly well last year [5.5 million passengers], and we believe volume will continue to increase [11.6m by 2040] - there is strong demand, based on need, for connections between Finland and the Baltics. EU emission 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 concept will serve as a basis for continued planning and for the invitation to shipyard tenders. Viking Line has also submitted a funding application to the EU's Innovation Fund for the construction of the ferry.
Photo: Viking Line