Finnish consortium awarded grant for 'green corridor'
Shipowner Viking Line is part of the consortium (Source: Viking Line)
Rauma Marine Construtions (RMC), Viking Line, Åbo Akademi University, and Kempower, a specialist in fast-charging systems, have been awarded almost EUR 1.6 million in funding to develop a carbon-neutral sea route between Turku and Stockholm. The project for both passenger and cargo is named Decatrip and the 'green corridor' could be in operation by 2027.
RMC is to focus on developing energy-efficient systems for ship operation. Together with Kempower, the shipbuilder will also develop charging systems for electric vehicles on board the ships.
Åbo Akademi University will provide research support and evaluate the societal benefits of the green corridor. Meanwhile, the zero-carbon marine fuel is expected to be manufactured locally in southwest Finland.
The University’s research director in Industrial Management, Dr Magnus Gustafsson, commented: "Consumers increasingly want the products and services they buy to be sustainable, and this is reflected throughout the entire logistics train. This [project] will provide passengers with a sustainable alternative, an opportunity for the industry to gain competitive advantage in sustainable transport, and a tangible example of how we can eliminate emissions in seafaring using Finnish expertise."
