During the ice-free season, FRS Finland will deploy a new fully electric, emission-free vessel built by Callboats in Vaasa, Finland. The CAT 16 type vessel can carry up to 58 passengers and is fully accessible. Entry into service is planned for the course of next year.

During the winter season, the route will be operated by the icebreaker Pörtö, whose passenger area will undergo extensive modernization, as well as by a hovercraft. With this project, FRS Finland will introduce the first electric passenger vessel of this size into regular scheduled service in Finland.

"We are very pleased that the Finnish government has created the framework conditions for emission-free transport and that we have found an innovative European technology partner in Callboats," says Tim Kunstmann, Managing Director of the FRS Europe Division.

The vessel will also be equipped with advanced autonomous technology. While a crew will remain on board, the system can monitor navigation along the route and assist with maneuvering and docking.

"It uses a combination of different sensors that enable it to detect obstacles under almost all conditions, often even better than humans," explains Peter Östberg, Managing Director of Callboats.

FRS Finland has been working for years to reduce emissions in its operations. The company already uses environmentally friendly biodiesel on several routes. This will also be the case on this route during the winter season when the winter fleet is in operation.