This autumn, the ferry company will increase its purchases of the bio version of liquefied natural gas (bioLNG) sixfold, from around 600 tonnes last year to 3,800.

The bunker, delivered by Gasum and made from food and agricultural waste, will power the Viking Glory and Viking Grace cruise ferries on the Stockholm-Turku crossing (with standard LNG used as a complement).

For an additional fee, passengers, conference guests, and cargo customers will be able to make their journeys fossil-free.

Viking Line expects the LNG-to-bioLNG switch to axe its greenhouse gas emissions by 17,000 tonnes.

"We have worked with others to create the market for biogas. Supply has now increased to a level that enables the use of renewable fuel to a significant extent. We have now been able to agree on our purchases through to October, and our goal is to continue at the same level. Moreover, the amount of bioLNG used will increase thanks to the fossil-free maritime journeys that our customers purchase," commented Dani Lindberg, Head of Sustainability at Viking Line.

He furthered, "In the 2025 survey for Finnish maritime transport, carried out by EPSI Rating, 45% of respondents indicated that they will make more sustainable choices in the future when they travel. These alternatives will become a reality only through long-term development work, bold investments, and good collaboration. For example, the increased use of biofuel and the resulting decrease in total emissions have been made possible thanks to the company's €450-million investment in Viking Glory and Viking Grace."

Jan Hanses, Viking Line's CEO, also noted, "We want to be among the pioneers when Finnish maritime transport shows the way to a fossil-free future for the rest of the world. Major investments in sustainable solutions require predictability in operations and good collaboration both throughout the maritime cluster and with public sector actors."

Jacob Granqvist, Vice President Maritime at Gasum, said, "By running on biogas, Viking Line contributes to emission reductions in Gasum's pooling service for FuelEU Maritime compliance, which is used by vessels that cannot use biofuel themselves. Viking Line thus helps the entire maritime transport sector to reduce emissions. Starting on 1 January 2025, vessels must reduce their emissions by 2%, but required reductions will increase all the way to 80% by 2050. We therefore need trailblazers like Viking Line, which can pave the way for others."

Photo: Viking Line