Finnish marine propulsion specialist Steerprop will supply its latest contra-rotating propeller technology for Estonia’s first fully electric passenger ferry.

The vessel is being built by Polish shipyard CRIST S.A. for the Estonian State Fleet and is scheduled to enter service in late 2028.

The new ferry will be equipped with two Steerprop SP 25 CRP propulsion units driven by permanent magnet motors.

It will become the first vessel to use Steerprop’s next-generation contra-rotating propeller — CRP design.

The system uses two propellers arranged on the same propulsion line and rotating in opposite directions.

One propeller operates in pulling mode, while the other works as a pushing propeller.

This arrangement can provide higher thrust and efficiency than a conventional single-propeller system of a similar size.

For the new Estonian ferry, this is particularly important because of limitations on propeller diameter and the need to maintain strong performance in open water, windy conditions and ice.

Steerprop says the new CRP generation also delivers improved mechanical efficiency.

One of the key developments is the introduction of pressurised lubrication instead of conventional splash lubrication as standard on smaller CRP units.

According to the company, this reduces mechanical losses and improves mechanical efficiency by around 3.5 percentage points.

The propulsion system can also deliver the required thrust with lower installed power, helping reduce overall energy consumption.

This is especially important for fully electric and hybrid vessels, where propulsion efficiency directly influences battery size, energy use and operational range.

The new ferry, approximately 95 metres long, was designed by LMG Marin.

Its primary source of energy will be shore-supplied electricity stored in a 3 MWh battery system.

Under normal operating conditions, the vessel will be able to complete voyages entirely on electric power.

For severe weather conditions and emergencies, the ferry will also be equipped with auxiliary generators running on biodiesel.

This means the vessel will operate primarily as a fully electric ferry while retaining backup generation for operational resilience.

The ferry will be built to Ice Class 1B standards.

This will allow it to operate in ice up to 60 centimetres thick, an important capability for year-round service in the Baltic Sea.

The vessel is planned for deployment on the Virtsu–Kuivastu route, linking mainland Estonia with Muhu and onward connections to Saaremaa.

It will be able to carry up to 380 passengers and approximately 110 passenger cars or eight trucks.

Steerprop already has a strong presence in Estonia’s ferry sector.

Four double-ended ferries serving the Saaremaa and Hiiumaa routes are already equipped with Steerprop CRP propulsion systems.

Delivery of the new propulsion equipment is scheduled for late 2027.

The ferry itself is expected to be handed over and begin commercial operation in late 2028.

The design and construction contract is valued at €49.93 million.

Of this amount, €28 million is being financed through the European Union’s Modernisation Fund.

The remaining funding comes from Estonian public resources linked to emissions allowance trading.

The contract between the Estonian State Fleet and CRIST S.A. was signed on May 20, 2026.

The project forms part of a wider programme to modernise ferry connections between mainland Estonia and the country’s major islands.

Estonia’s first fully electric passenger ferry will combine a 3 MWh battery system, Ice Class 1B capability and Steerprop’s next-generation CRP technology, aiming to deliver high efficiency in both open-water and demanding winter conditions in the Baltic Sea.