The fifth ferry between the major islands, which went out to tender for construction today, will be unique in the entire neighbouring region as, in addition to electricity, it will be able to run entirely on hydrogen fuel and operate without noise and vibration, the state company said. The ferry was designed for cross-use on the Saaremaa and Hiiumaa lines, but the state originally planned it as the main vessel on the Virtsu-Kuivastu line, which will start operating in October 2026.
According to Andres Laasma, director general of the state navy, much attention was paid to energy efficiency when designing the new ferry.
“What makes the ferry special is the way it utilises clean energy, as well as energy storage and energy-to-electricity conversion technology,” Laasma commented. According to the zero-emissions principle, the vessel can run on either electricity charged from shore or hydrogen fuel. It is also possible to operate in Estonian ice conditions with less energy consumption. “Thanks to updated technology and a new hull design, the energy consumption of the new ferry is almost 20 per cent lower compared to previous generation ferries,” Laasma said.
Just over 1,000 running metres are planned for cars on the ferry, which is about 20% more than the previous generation. This means that the car area can accommodate around 200 passenger cars or, for example, 16 large lorries with 50 passenger cars. To increase passenger comfort, the ferry is planned to have an on-board restaurant with a kitchen. There is also a pantry, an extended lounge area and crew cabins. The new ferry has a capacity of 700 passengers.
The deadline to submit tenders for the construction and design of the vessel is 17 January 2024.
According to plans, the new ferry on the Virtsu-Kuivastu route will start operating on 1 October 2026.The expected purchase price is around €40 million. The shipbuilding is being financed by the European Modernisation Fund and revenues from CO2 emission quotas.
Photo of Estonian State Fleet
Press release https://is.gd/fX50ka
