One Of The World’s Largest Hydrogen-Powered Electric RoPax Ferries Unveiled

Lloyd’s Register (abbreviated LR) has awarded Approval in Principle (abbreviated AiP) to the Estonian State Fleet for a new and advanced hydrogen fuel-cell ferry that the Finnish ship design and engineering firm Deltamarin designs. The zero-emissions ferry will be operated between the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa and the Estonian mainland on the Rohuküla-Heltermaa and Virtsu-Kuivastu routes that link the Baltic nation with the two largest islands.

The national ferry operator, Estonian State Fleet, is developing one of the most cutting-edge ferry designs to introduce one of the largest electric, hydrogen-fueled RoPax ferries in 2026.

As part of the certification, LR has approved the present design stage suitable for further design, procurement, and construction of the RoPax ferry. The AiP process was thorough, conducted by LR specialists, and headed by the Hamburg Technical Support Office.

LR is pleased to have served as a trusted adviser on this endeavour with the Estonian State Fleet to supply the Estonian government with an innovative battery-hydrogen-fuelled ferry for the Rohuküla-Heltermaa and Virtsu-Kuivastu routes, said Patrick Wrede, the Key Account Manager of LR. This ferry will expedite the shift to low- and zero-carbon vessels and improve communication between Estonia and its central islands.

The company wanted to express our gratitude to parties involved in and backed the development of this cutting-edge ferry design, said Esa Jokioinen, the Director of Sales with Deltamarin. It results from in-depth and extensive studies on end-user requirements, particularly emphasising efficiency, safety, and environmental issues.

Andres Laasma, the Director General of the Estonian State Fleet, said the Estonian State Fleet is dedicated to spearheading innovation within the sector. To achieve this, the firm has been assigned to develop a passenger vessel with high autonomy. The benefits are considerable despite the problems typically associated with such a complex endeavour, including technological risks, regulatory hurdles, and significant initial investments.

The benefits include significant cost savings, market leadership, positive environmental impact, and innovation. The Estonian State Fleet is confident that such a strategic advantage will propel them to the top of their industry, setting the benchmark for the rest to follow.

Valentin Bratkov, the Project Manager of the Estonian State Fleet, said that receiving AIP from experts is valuable proof that the environmental and energy-efficient ferry with unique hydrogen-powered fuel-cell battery propulsion has no showstoppers for further construction. Lloyd’s Register’s capabilities also ensure that this pioneering work that the company is doing is professional and competent.

Reference: lr.org

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