CRIST S.A. will be Build Estonia’s First Fully Electric Ferry

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On 20 May, Estonian State Fleet signed a design and shipbuilding contract with Polish shipyard CRIST S.A. for the construction of Estonia’s first fully electric passenger ferry, marking a major step in the decarbonisation of ferry transport in the Baltic Sea region. Scheduled to enter service at the end of 2028, the new vessel will operate primarily on shore-charged green electricity and is designed for year-round service in demanding Nordic conditions, including winter ice operations. 
“Ferry connections are vital for Estonia and especially for our island communities. They support everyday life, local businesses and access to essential services. This new fully electric ferry will make that connection more reliable, modern and environmentally friendly. I am glad that we are moving forward with a Polish shipyard whose experience in demanding maritime conditions will support the delivery of a vessel well suited to Estonia’s needs,” said Estonian Minister of Infrastructure, Mr Kuldar Leis.
According to Mr Andres Laasma, Director General of Estonian State Fleet, the project supports both fleet modernisation and Estonia’s broader transition towards lower-emission maritime transport. “Investing in next-generation vessels is essential for ensuring reliable island connectivity while reducing environmental impact and long-term operating costs,” said Laasma. “Despite a challenging global economic environment, we are pleased to move forward with a vessel that combines zero-emission operation in daily service with the resilience required for Baltic operating conditions.”
 

Built for Baltic and Nordic operating conditions

The vessel will be built by Polish shipyard CRIST S.A., an experienced builder of passenger and specialised vessels for technically demanding environments.

“We are very pleased to be involved in projects that contribute to the development of more sustainable and environmentally friendly maritime transport. At CRIST S.A, we are committed to supporting innovations that help reduce emissions and drive the industry towards a greener future. This project is an important step in that direction,” said Aleksander Lech, Commercial Director at CRIST S.A.”

CRIST has previously delivered several advanced low-emission vessels, including the fully electric ice-class ferries Altera and Elektra operating in Finland.

The ferry will be designed by naval architecture company LMG Marin, whose portfolio includes more than 200 ferries, with a strong leadership on electric and hybrid vessels.

“This project is particularly important for LMG Marin. After the delivery 12 years ago of the ferry for the vessels currently in operation, this contract confirms our long-standing collaboration with Estonian key players,” said Vincent Rudelle, member of the Management team at LMG Marin and former Project Manager of the initial Estonian ferry programme.

“It demonstrates our leadership in zero-emission passenger shipping. Over the last 12 months alone, 14 ferries and RoPax vessels based on LMG Marin designs, ranging from 50 to 170 metres, have been contracted. They all integrate large battery systems to significantly reduce their environmental footprint.

This new vessel further strengthens LMG Marin’s position as a world leader in the design of low- and zero-emission ferries and RoPax vessels, supporting operators in their transition towards sustainable maritime transport. We are proud to be back in Estonia with this new project.”

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