Viking Line presents concept for "world's largest" fully electric Ro-Pax ferry

Viking Line has unveiled plans for Helios, a fully electric Ro-Pax ferry concept designed specifically for the Helsinki–Tallinn route. If realised, the vessel would be the world’s largest of its kind and could enter service by the early 2030s, the company said.

The concept envisions a 195-metre-long vessel capable of carrying approximately 2,000 passengers and two kilometres of freight capacity. It would operate at approximately 23 knots with a crossing time of just over two hours. The vessel’s battery capacity is projected at 85–100 megawatt hours, with charging to occur during port calls using over 30 megawatts of capacity.

The initiative forms part of the FIN-EST "Green Corridor" project, which involves the cities and ports of Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia’s Ministry of Climate, and shipping companies Viking Line, Rederi AB Eckerö, and Tallink Grupp.

Viking Line has applied for EU Innovation Fund support to build the vessel. The company aims to order two electric ferries for the route, which would double current capacity, according to Viking Line CEO Jan Hanses.