Ro-Pax

Estonia’s first converted hybrid ferry begins regular sailings

Baird Maritime

Port of Tallinn subsidiary TS Laevad has begun serving the Virtsu-Kuivastu ferry route using the first converted hybrid-powered passenger vessel to sail under the Estonian flag.

The double-ended Ro-Pax ferry Tõll has been fitted with batteries in addition to its existing diesel engines to ensure low-emissions operations.

The vessel's regular sailings are expected to reduce CO2 emissions along the Virtsu-Kuivastu route by as much as 1,600 tonnes each year.

The €1.6 million (US$1.89 million) conversion work on Tõll was carried out by local shipyard Baltic Workboats with cooperation from Corvus Energy, LMG Marin, and Norwegian Electric Systems.