MS Finlandia Eckerö Line – the first hybrid ferry on the Gulf of Finland

Ferry MS Finlandia Eckero Line. Source: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0

Eckerö Line which operate the Helsinki–Tallinn route, is rapidly expanding in both cargo and passenger transport segments.

In January 2026, Eckerö Line will take an important step towards climate neutrality and the electrification of its operations. The company plans to install a battery system on the MS Finlandia, the ferry operating between Helsinki and Tallinn. This investment will reduce carbon dioxide emissions and transform the MS Finlandia into the first hybrid ferry on the Gulf of Finland.

The long-term goal of the Eckerö Group is to transition entirely to electric propulsion in maritime operations. Thanks to this modern solution, the ship will use battery power during port maneuvers and while docked, reducing fuel consumption by approximately 3%—equivalent to up to 600 tons per year—and significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

„This is the beginning of our journey towards a fully electric and sustainable shipping”, says Eckerö Line CEO Taru Keronen.

Björn Blomqvist, CEO of the Rederi Ab Eckerö Group, adds:
“As a Group we are building green shipping corridors, which are zero-emissions or almost emission free routes between Finland, Sweden and Estonia, utilising as short and natural routes as possible. Eckerö Line of our Group companies is particularly responsible for this on the Helsinki–Tallinn route. The battery installation on MS Finlandia in January 2026 is for us a major investment in more sustainable shipping. Our goal is to fully transition to electric shipping in the future.”

In addition, Eckerö Line plans a comprehensive modernization of the interiors of both its vessels, MS Finlandia and MS Finbo Cargo, which will significantly enhance passenger comfort.

For cargo customers, an important update is the continued development of the Vuosaari–Muuga connection. Currently, 60% of Eckerö Line’s freight is transported on this route, helping to avoid congestion in the city centre areas of both Helsinki and Tallinn.

In January-September 2025, Eckerö Line recorded a more than 3% increase in passenger numbers compared to the previous year, carrying over 1.6 million people. At the same time, its market share in freight transport rose to almost 46%, up from 38% the year before.

Source:
[ECKERO LINE]