Estonian ferry operator Estonian State Fleet (ESF) will launch a tender for the construction of a new hybrid ferry for the Virtsu-Kuivastu route. The tender will be launched in September 2024 while the ferry is scheduled to be completed by the autumn of 2026.
ESF said that, after an initial procurement process and technical consultations earlier this year, in collaboration with the Ministry of Climate, it has decided to make adjustments to the Virtsu-Kuivastu ferry project to keep construction costs within the original budget of €40 million (US$43 million). The new ferry will thus be slightly smaller and more cost-effective.
ESF said the revised ship design will ensure cost savings on both construction and operational expenses, as well as on port infrastructure modifications. The new ferry will retain hydrogen readiness but will primarily use electricity as the main energy source, making the project more accessible to shipbuilders and encouraging more competitive bids.
The new ferry project is 65 per cent funded by the EU's energy efficiency and environmental impact reduction support fund. The remaining 35 per cent will come from the Estonian state.