Viking Line has unveiled the concept of the Helios ferry, an all-electric vessel that aims to improve the route between Helsinki and Tallinn. With this project, the Finnish shipping company plans to establish a 100% emission-free shipping corridor across the Gulf of Finland, starting operations in the mid-2030s.
The Helios ferry design and concept
The vessel was designed to operate efficiently over a distance of 80 kilometers, and will have a battery capacity estimated at between 85 and 100 MWh. In addition, the ferry’s structure, measuring 195 meters in length and 30 meters in beam, will be able to carry around 2,000 passengers and up to 650 cars, ensuring a total cargo capacity of around 2,000 linear meters.
The design of the Helios ferry is striking for its smokeless silhouette, symbolizing an all-electric propulsion system. Each port call will be used to recharge energy, with a load demand in excess of 30 MWh per operation. This vessel will be built in collaboration with the Rauma shipyard and other strategic partners in the maritime sector.
According to Viking Line, the Helios project is a technical innovation and a tangible demonstration that emission-free shipping on a large scale is possible. To support the construction, the company has submitted an application for funding to the European Union’s Innovation Fund.
The Helios is part of the FIN-EST Green Corridor initiative, promoted by the cities of Helsinki and Tallinn, together with their respective ports and other stakeholders such as the Estonian Ministry of Climate and the shipping companies Rederi AB Eckerö and Tallink Grupp.
With projected growth from 5.5 million to more than 11 million passengers by 2040 on this route, the Helios will enable Viking Line to double its annual capacity. This energy transition requires the development of a robust port infrastructure. The port of Jätkäsaari in Helsinki will be important because it is in the process of expansion with a view to facilitating such operations.
Viking Line of the Netherlands had been recognized for its expertise in low-emission shipping with vessels such as the LNG and biogas-powered Viking Grace and Viking Glory. Now, the vision of a 100% electric transport now takes shape with the Helios, whose development represents a firm step towards truly sustainable intercity mobility in the Baltic.
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Source and photo: Viking Line
