The Estonian State Fleet (ESF), established on 1 January 2023, prioritises reducing CO2 emissions by modernising its ferry fleet and exploring low-emission technologies. It oversees over 250 state-owned vessels, including seven ferries that connect small islands like Kihnu, Ruhnu, and Vormsi. ESF also conducts specialised maritime tasks such as hydrographic surveys and buoy laying, tenders for new vessels, and develops efficient inter-island transport routes.
Although, the ferries are operated through public procurement agreements by private companies, ESF as the owner of the vessels will carry out the procurements and install the energy saving and emission-cutting equipment, such as replacing the onboard conventional lighting to LED lighting, install new propellers and fuel monitoring systems.
Source and more info: Central Baltic Programme
Photo: Passenger catamaran Runö serves the route to Ruhnu island
