Viking Line, the Port of Turku, and the Ports of Stockholm have reached a significant milestone in their joint initiative to establish a green, fossil-free shipping corridor between Stockholm and Turku. Over the past year, the partners have made substantial progress in laying the foundation for this ambitious project, setting a clear course towards achieving a sustainable maritime corridor by 2035.
Milestone Event in Turku
On February 6, 2025, the anniversary of their cooperation was celebrated with an open seminar in Turku, Finland, attended by key stakeholders. The event provided a platform to discuss achievements, experiences, challenges, and future opportunities in establishing a green maritime corridor.
Commitment to Sustainable Shipping
“We are very pleased with the cooperation and the work done during the first year,” stated Magdalena Bosson, CEO of Ports of Stockholm. “We have been investing in onshore power supply infrastructure for ships for many years, and Viking Line is one of the pioneers. Now we are further sharpening our goals together with the other parties to establish a fossil-free shipping corridor between Stockholm and Turku.”
Viking Line has played a crucial role in advancing sustainability initiatives within the corridor. “We are proud to be part of this important co-operation project for a cleaner Baltic Sea. Our most significant investment so far is to offer all our passengers and freight customers biofuel for transport between Stockholm and Turku, reducing emissions for their journeys by 90%. In addition, a possible battery installation and Elogrids, which reduces energy consumption, are important elements of our work in the coming years,” said Jan Hanses, CEO of Viking Line.
Erik Söderholm, CEO of the Port of Turku, highlighted the broader environmental benefits of the initiative: “A green shipping corridor gives us the opportunity to promote sustainable development and reduce the environmental impact of shipping. During the past year, we have started more detailed planning of measures related to the green shipping corridor, such as updating our carbon footprint calculation and preparing for the development of charging stations for heavy traffic.”
Key Developments and Future Initiatives
During the first year, the partners identified and prioritized crucial measures to cut carbon dioxide emissions in shipping. A structured project plan has been developed, outlining the following key activities:
Viking Line’s Initiatives
- Conducting a pre-study on battery installation for Viking Grace and Viking Glory.
- Installing Elogrids* on vessels to optimize fuel efficiency.
- Increasing sales of biogas supplements to support sustainable transport between Stockholm and Turku.
Port of Turku’s Sustainability Efforts
- Conducting a study and pilot project for onshore power supply at the quay.
- Implementing zero-emission operations for Viking Line vessels at berth.
- Establishing guidelines and incentives for port operators to achieve zero emissions.
- Collaborating with external stakeholders to integrate sustainable transport solutions linking the port with land-based logistics.
- Creating opportunities for shipping companies to bunker sustainable fuels.
Ports of Stockholm’s Green Commitments
- Ensuring zero emissions from Viking Line vessels at the quayside.
- Developing sustainable transport solutions in collaboration with external stakeholders.
- Providing opportunities for shipping companies to clean bunker fuels.
Innovative Technologies for a Greener Future
One of the key technological enhancements explored in this project is the installation of Elogrids, a specialized grid system placed on a ship’s hull to reduce water resistance and improve fuel efficiency. By optimizing water flow and minimizing turbulence, Elogrids contribute to lower energy consumption, making vessels more environmentally friendly.
Looking Ahead
With the first year of cooperation successfully completed, Viking Line, the Port of Turku, and the Ports of Stockholm remain committed to pushing forward with their sustainability initiatives. The project continues to serve as a model for international maritime sustainability efforts, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving zero-emission shipping corridors.
As the industry moves toward a greener future, this joint effort between Sweden and Finland marks a critical step in transforming short-sea shipping operations into a more sustainable and environmentally responsible mode of transport.
Source Viking Line | Ports of Stockholm | Port of Turku