The shipbuilders from the Polish CRIST will deliver the 100-metre-long hybrid vessel, equipped with a 3.0MWh battery system and backup biodiesel generators, by end-2028.

The investment by the Estonian State Fleet is worth €49.93 million, supported by the European Union Modernisation Fund with €28m, and additional financing coming from Estonia's CO₂ funding mechanisms.

Once operational, the ferry will be able to transport up to 380 passengers and 110 vehicles/eight cargo units. The battery pack will be sufficient to cover the Virtsu-Kuivastu route, with the biodiesel generators providing support in demanding weather or for longer crossings (an operating range of at least 1,000 nautical miles without refuelling).

The ferry will be built to Ice Class 1B, but with her azimuth thrusters (at both ends) exceeding the minimum requirements for this ice-class level to provide additional power for operations in heavy ice.

"The vessel is planned with a strong focus on functionality, passenger comfort, and contemporary design. On-board amenities will include a professional kitchen and restaurant area serving hot meals, as well as accommodation and recreational facilities for crew members. Special attention is also given to accessibility, with dedicated solutions for passengers with reduced mobility, as well as for blind and visually impaired travellers," the Estonian State Fleet underscored in a press briefing.

Its Director General, Andres Laasma, also commented, "Investing in next-generation vessels is essential for ensuring reliable island connectivity while reducing environmental impact and long-term operating costs. Despite a challenging global economic environment, we are pleased to move forward with a vessel that combines zero-emission operation in daily service with the resilience required for Baltic operating conditions."

Kuldar Leis, the Estonian Minister of Infrastructure, shared, "Ferry connections are vital for Estonia and especially for our island communities. They support everyday life, local businesses, and access to essential services. This new fully electric ferry will make that connection more reliable, modern, and environmentally friendly. I am glad that we are moving forward with a Polish shipyard whose experience in demanding maritime conditions will support the delivery of a vessel well suited to Estonia's needs."

Aleksander Lech, Commercial Director, CRIST, also said, "We are very pleased to be involved in projects that contribute to the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime transport. At CRIST, we are committed to supporting innovations that help reduce emissions and drive the industry towards a greener future. This project is an important step in that direction."

Vincent Rudelle, Member of the Management Team at LMG Marin (a naval architecture company from Bergen that will design the ferry), added, "This project is particularly important for LMG Marin. [...] It demonstrates our leadership in zero-emission passenger shipping. Over the last 12 months alone, 14 ferries and ro-pax vessels based on LMG Marin designs, ranging from 50 to 170 metres, have been contracted. They all integrate large battery systems to significantly reduce their environmental footprint. This new vessel further strengthens LMG Marin's position as a world leader in the design of low- and zero-emission ferries and ro-pax vessels, supporting operators in their transition towards sustainable maritime transport. We are proud to be back in Estonia with this new project."