Estonia has launched a tender for a cutting-edge EUR 40 million ferry designed to operate entirely on hydrogen fuel, heralding a zero-emissions era for crossings between the country's main islands. Set to commence operations in October 2026, the ferry aims to enhance connections while prioritizing energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Kristen Michal, Estonian Minister of Climate, emphasized the importance of advancing ferry technology to provide enhanced connections for island residents and visitors. The vessel's zero-emission design allows propulsion via shore-supplied electricity or hydrogen fuel, ensuring year-round operation in Estonia's winter conditions with lower energy costs. Andres Laasma, the Director General of the State Fleet, highlighted the ferry's innovative features, with energy consumption ~20% lower than its predecessors.
The project, developed in collaboration with the Estonian Maritime Academy, incorporates a digital twin prototype during construction, allowing real-time analysis and optimization of ferry operations. The ferry's conceptual design and feasibility study were conducted in partnership with the Finnish company Deltamarin, ensuring suitability for long-term Estonian routes.
The 700-passenger ferry, contracted to the Hamburg-based Hamburgische Schiffbau-Versuchsanstalt GmbH (HSVA) for ice-covered waters evaluation, boasts 1000+ lanemeters cargo capacity (storage for vehicles), an on-board restaurant, a shop, a recreation area, a children's playground, and an indoor/outdoor pets area.
The tender submission deadline for vessel construction and design is January 17, 2024, with the ferry scheduled to operate on the Virtsu-Kuivastu route starting October 1, 2026.
Funding for shipbuilding will be sourced from the European Modernisation Fund and CO2 emissions trading revenues.