The construction of the new ferry started with a traditional ceremony at the shipyard Rauma marine constructions in Finland. Compared to the previous ferry, CO2 emissions should be reduced by 50% when the vessel is equipped with an electric hybrid system powered by liquid natural gas or biogas.
"It is the first ferry in the world to be built with this class listing, so it is the world's most environmentally friendly ferry," said Wasaline's CEO Peter Ståhlberg.
The ferry will operate daily between Vaasa and Umeå and is expected to be completed in 2021. Kvarken Link, which is owned by Umeå municipality and the city of Vaasa, is behind the new vessel that can handle 800 passengers plus 1500 meters for trucks and passenger cars.
Hear Hans Lindberg (S), Peter Ståhlberg and some of the passengers in the clip above.