Largest electric ferry to link Finland and Estonia

June 10, 2025

A groundbreaking step in green transport is set to reshape travel across the Baltic Sea. Viking Line, the well-known Åland-based shipping operator, has unveiled Helios — a smart electric ferry that will become the largest electric passenger ferry in the world. The project supports the creation of a green corridor between Finland and Estonia, specifically connecting Helsinki and Tallinn.

The EV Ferry of the Future

The EV ferry will be 195 meters long and 30 meters wide, designed to carry 2,000 passengers, 650 cars, and up to 2 kilometers of freight. Unlike conventional vessels, the ferry will run entirely on electricity, using battery packs with a massive 85–100 MWh capacity. This is several times greater than what any electric ferries currently use.

That energy is enough to cover the 80-kilometer ferry from Finland to Estonia route in just over two hours at a cruising speed of 23 knots. Instead of burning fuel, the vessel will recharge while docked, drawing more than 30 MWh of electricity from advanced charging stations at the Port of Helsinki.

Green Maritime Corridor Initiative

The Helios project is part of the FIN-EST Green Corridor initiative launched by Helsinki and Tallinn. It aims to establish a fully emission-free maritime route — a game-changing step for regional and European sustainability goals.

The ship’s innovative design eliminates the need for a traditional funnel, highlighting its streamlined operation. For passengers, this means a silent, emission-free journey while traveling on the electric ferry across the Gulf of Finland.

Electric Ferry Cost and Benefits

Although the electric ferry cost is higher than that of traditional diesel ships, Viking Line expects long-term savings thanks to lower fuel expenses and reduced EU emissions trading fees. With fossil fuel regulations tightening, the company believes that smart electric ferries will soon become not only greener but also more economical.

Viking Line has already pioneered sustainable vessels before: in 2013 it launched Viking Grace, the first passenger ship powered by liquefied natural gas and biogas, followed by Viking Glory in 2022. Helios is the next bold step in this tradition of innovation.

Future of Travel Between Finland and Estonia

Passenger numbers on the Helsinki–Tallinn route are forecast to double from 5.5 million in 2024 to over 11 million by 2040, while freight volumes are also set to grow. To meet this demand sustainably, Viking Line plans to introduce at least two electric passenger ferries, doubling capacity while maintaining zero emissions.

For travelers, this means that within the next decade, boarding a traghetto Estonia Finlandia could look very different — cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable than ever before.