Finland-based ferry operator Eckerö Line, which provides freight and passenger services between Helsinki and Tallinn, is advancing its partnership with Neste, a producer of sustainable fuels, to reduce maritime emissions in the Baltic Sea. By powering its vessels with Neste’s renewable diesel, Eckerö Line is aligning with the FuelEU Maritime regulation, effective from January 2025, which mandates a 2% emissions reduction through the use of lower-emission fuels.

Neste’s renewable diesel, produced from 100% waste and residue materials for the Finnish market, reduces greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 90% over its lifecycle compared to fossil diesel. Taru Keronen, CEO of Eckerö Line, stated: “Neste MY Renewable Diesel meets our needs well. We can use it as is in our existing fleet of ships operating in the Gulf of Finland to reduce our vessels’ greenhouse gas emissions, thereby meeting the requirements of the FuelEU Maritime regulation, which came into effect at the beginning of the year.”

Joni Pihlström, Vice President of Marketing & Services at Neste, commented: “The need to mitigate climate change is more urgent than ever. It’s great that, as a partner and with Neste’s renewable fuel, we can also support the maritime sector’s transition towards lower-emission transport. Eckerö Line is setting a great example in this regard.” The collaboration underscores both companies’ commitment to sustainable maritime operations.

Beyond adopting renewable diesel, Eckerö Line has implemented additional measures to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions. In 2024, the company upgraded its vessel Finlandia with new rudders and propeller blades tailored to its route and speed profile, resulting in a 12% reduction in fuel consumption in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. In 2023, Eckerö Line equipped its Finbo Cargo vessel with double-ramp loading technology, which shortens port times, allows slower sea speeds, and lowers emissions.

Eckerö Line is also exploring alternative fuels and battery technologies as part of the green corridor project, launched in October 2023 through a memorandum of understanding signed by representatives from Helsinki, Tallinn, and key stakeholders. This initiative aims to create a sustainable, environmentally neutral maritime transport route for passengers and freight between Helsinki and Tallinn, as well as the ports of Vuosaari and Muuga.

These efforts highlight Eckerö Line’s dedication to reducing the environmental impact of its operations while maintaining reliable service across the Baltic Sea. By integrating renewable fuels and innovative technologies, the company is contributing to a more sustainable future for maritime transport.