Viking Line conceptualizes the world’s largest electric passenger-car ferry

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 06 June 2025 06 June 2025

Viking Line is preparing to launch entirely emission-free service between Helsinki and Tallinn. The shipping company's groundbreaking vessel concept is proof that a green maritime corridor across the Gulf of Finland could be realized as early as the beginning of the 2030s. Upon realisation, the concept, named Helios, would be the world’s largest electric passenger-car ferry.

The Helios vessel concept developed by Viking Line shows what the world's largest fully electric passenger-car ferry would look like. With a battery capacity of approximately 85–100 megawatt hours (MWh), Helios could transport 2,000 passengers across the Gulf of Finland in just over two hours. The length of the concept vessel is 195 metres, the width 30 metres and the speed approximately 23 knots. The freight capacity on board is approximately 2 kilometres. Compared to the silhouette of traditional vessels, Helios mainly stands out due its lack of a funnel.

Helios is based on a research collaboration between Viking Line and Rauma Marine Construction as well as other partners. The concept is specifically designed for the Helsinki–Tallinn route, as the 80 kilometre, or 43 nautical mile, route is ideally suited for electric vessel traffic. The electric vessel is always charged when the ship is in port. The vessel requires a charging capacity of over 30 megawatt hours.

“Helios heralds a new era in maritime transport, just like the first sail, steam, and motor ships did in their time. The concept proves that large-scale emission-free maritime transport is no longer a utopia. The world’s largest fully electric passenger-car ferries could be in operation as early as the beginning of the next decade. We are strongly committed to realizing the ambitious vision that Helios represents,” says Viking Line’s CEO Jan Hanses.

Over the years, Viking Line has paved the way for low-emission shipping by investing hundreds of millions of euros in groundbreaking technologies. Viking Grace, delivered in 2013, was the world’s first passenger ship to use both liquefied natural gas and biogas as fuel. In 2022, Viking Grace was paired with an even more climate-smart vessel, Viking Glory. Through these ship investments, Viking Line’s travellers can now choose biofuel for an additional fee, thereby reducing the emissions from their trip by 90 per cent. In addition, Viking Line’s first freight customers have signed agreements to use biofuel. Emission-free shipping in the Gulf of Finland is promoted by the FIN-EST Green Corridor project, launched by the cities of Helsinki and Tallinn, whose founders and members also include the ports of Helsinki and Tallinn, Estonia’s Ministry of Climate and the companies Viking Line, Rederi AB Eckerö and Tallink Grupp.

“It is great that both cities and their ports have committed to creating a green maritime corridor. Electric shipping is not created solely by ship investments. It also requires efficient, reliable charging infrastructure in ports. The home port for the new electric vessels would be Jätkäsaari, where the Port of Helsinki has a development and expansion programme underway until 2032. The progress of this project is extremely important for our own plans,” states Jan Hanses.

Even now, most passenger and freight traffic from the Port of Helsinki is destined for Estonia. According to the Port of Helsinki's forecasts, passenger traffic between the city’s West Harbour and Tallinn will increase from 5.5 million passengers in 2024 to 11.6 million by 2040. Also cargo volumes are expected to grow significantly.

"The Helsinki–Tallinn route performed particularly well last year, and we believe volume will continue to increase – there is strong demand, based on need, for connections between Finland and the Baltics. EU emissions trading fees and tightening regulations place an ever larger burden on fossil fuel-based maritime traffic every year, but emission-free technology would enable us to increase capacity on the route. Our goal is to order two electric ships for the route, which would double our current capacity year-round," says Jan Hanses.

The newly announced electric passenger-car ferry concept serves as a basis for continued planning and for the invitation to tender to shipyards. This spring, Viking Line submitted a funding application to the EU's Innovation Fund for the construction of a ferry.

Viking Helios concept ferry

– Length: Approx. 195 m
– Width: Approx. 30 m
– Power source: Electricity (100%)
– Battery capacity: 85–100 MWh (charging power requirement >30MWh)
– Speed: Approx. 23 knots
– Passengers: Approx. 2,000
– Private cars: Approx. 650
– Cargo capacity: Approx. 2,000 freight metres

Regent Seven Seas provides first look of 77,000-gross-ton Prestige

Details

Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Top Headlines Top Headlines

Published: 09 May 2025 09 May 2025

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has unveiled detailed renderings and a spectacular “fly-through” video of select public spaces on board Seven Seas Prestige. The new images and video of the Starlight Atrium and Galileo’s Bar hint at the exquisite elegance and comfort that will be found on board Seven Seas Prestige, scheduled to launch in late 2026, beginning a new legacy for all-inclusive, ultra luxury cruising.

Drawing on inspiration ranging from classical and Renaissance architecture, both the Starlight Atrium and Galileo’s Bar were designed by Studio DADO, who were also the creative drive behind the cruise line’s highly successful Explorer-Class ships. Now, with Seven Seas Prestige, the DADO team has captured the essence of The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience, building on Regent’s rich heritage which will inspire guests to embrace each moment with awe and delight.

“With Seven Seas Prestige being Regent’s first new ship class in 10 years, we are delighted to share these first glimpses of this incredible vessel,” said Jason Montague, Chief Luxury Officer for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “Hosting only 822 guests on a ship that could fit hundreds more means we will offer Heartfelt Hospitality in Unrivaled Space at Sea like never before. I truly cannot wait for this magnificent ship to join The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet and the new legacy of all-inclusive, ultra luxury cruising that begins with it.”

The visuals offer a peak into what’s in store for future reveals with the introduction of brand-new accommodation categories – including a reimagination of the palatial Regent Suite – plus new dining experiences, coming soon.

Starlight Atrium

Embodying a blend of old-world elegance and modern sophistication, the Starlight Atrium recalls an era of quality craftmanship and style, illuminated by a glass-enclosed ceiling that allows sunlight and starlight to grace the space.

“The Starlight Atrium is where the grandeur of Renaissance architecture meets modern luxury, creating a space that feels both timeless and contemporary,” said Yohandel Ruiz, Founding Partner, Studio DADO. “Our goal was to get people to stop in their tracks, awe-struck by its sheer scale and magnificence.”

Not only a place for quiet contemplation while enjoying a glass of Champagne, or practical matters with essential guest services, the Starlight Atrium’s generous space connects multiple guest amenities across decks 4 & 5, such as Galileo’s Bar, the Casino, Prestige Lounge, Meridian Lounge, Coffee Connection, concierge desk and reception.

The two-story Starlight Atrium features twin spiral staircases, beginning on deck 4, which combine on deck 5 and gracefully lead all the way up to deck 11.

On deck 5, alcoves with sculptural furniture and curated art offer breathtaking ocean views – the perfect place to watch the sun rise or slip beyond the horizon at the end of a perfect day. Designed with a neutral palette of dusty rose, taupe, and cream, combined with embellished trims and fringed pillows, the alcoves harken back to old-world detailing.

The reception area, also on deck 5, features pleated leather panels and a light fixture crafted from handblown glass and ceramic pearls. From the lifts, looking back towards Galileo’s Bar, walls are framed with paneling and artwork, creating a traditional yet modern aesthetic.

Galileo’s Bar

Named in a nod to Regent’s beloved Seven Seas Navigator which will soon leave the fleet, Galileo’s Bar is strategically placed to serve both the Prestige Lounge and adjacent casino. The bar’s ceiling is a canvas displaying a contemporary masterpiece styled like an oil painting, framed by fretted metal detailing.

The base of the bar features fluted elements, and the bold, striped floor highlights the bar’s footprint, creating a focal point for the Starlight Atrium; it is the place for guests to indulge in complimentary premium beverages that come as standard with a Regent sailing.

From the bar, views of the spiral staircases extend back into the Starlight Atrium on both port and starboard sides. The walls, clad in a limestone texture, are adorned with sconces designed to resemble jewelry, adding a touch of glamour.

Seven Seas Prestige, Galileo Bar