Viking Line has revealed its intention to establish an emission-free ferry route across the Gulf of Finland, connecting Helsinki and Tallinn. Central to this initiative is a new vessel concept, named Helios, which the company anticipates may enter service in the early 2030s.
Viking Line has stated that the Helios will be the largest fully electric-powered passenger car ferry in the world upon completion.
The ferryboat is projected to operate with a battery capacity ranging from 85 to 100 MW hours, sufficient to carry up to 2,000 passengers on the 80-km voyage in just over 2 hours. Recharging the vessel will require port infrastructure capable of delivering over 30 MW hours of energy per cycle.
Viking Line noted that the development and implementation of these charging stations will be critical to the ship’s regular operations.
According to preliminary specifications, the vessel will be approximately 195 metres in length and 30 metres in beam, with a service speed of 23 knots. The design accommodates 650 passenger vehicles and includes 2,000 lane-metres of cargo capacity. Notably, the ferry will lack a traditional smokestack—an omission that underscores its emission-free status.
Viking Line’s chief executive, Jan Hanses, remarked that Helios represents a significant evolution in maritime technology, drawing comparisons to earlier breakthroughs such as sail, steam, and motor propulsion. He indicated that the concept demonstrates the feasibility of large-scale electric ferry operations and affirmed the company’s commitment to realising this vision in the coming decade.
This development follows a trajectory of emissions reduction efforts by Viking Line. The company previously introduced Viking Grace, the first ferry in the world to run on liquefied natural gas/LNG and biofuel, and in 2022 launched Viking Glory, which reportedly consumes up to 10% less fuel than its predecessor.
The Helios design will serve as the basis for further technical planning and shipyard tenders. Viking Line has also applied for funding from the European Union’s Innovation Fund, one of the largest global financial programmes dedicated to advancing low-carbon technologies. In 2023, Viking Line was identified as Finland’s leading recipient of public corporate funding, receiving over EUR 20 million.