Viking Line focuses on sustainable routes between Turku and Stockholm

Viking Line, the Ports of Stockholm and the Port of Turku officially joined forces on February 6, 2024 by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to establish an environmentally friendly sea route between Turku and Stockholm. The primary goal is to make the corridor completely carbon-neutral by 2035.

This cooperation will serve as a pioneering platform to develop scalable solutions to eliminate fossil fuels and promote sustainable travel between Turku and Stockholm.

Jan Hanses, President and CEO of Viking Line, emphasized the company's commitment to environmental protection and the Baltic Sea. He emphasized the ambition to lead environmentally friendly initiatives and, together with the ports of Stockholm and the Port of Turku, pave the way for zero-emission cruises and transport between Finland, Åland and Sweden.

The project, formalized by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, meets the definition of a green sea route as defined in the Clydebank Declaration, as endorsed by Sweden and Finland. In particular, this initiative exceeds the timelines of the EU's Fit for 55 climate law package.

Clara Lindblom, Chair of the Board of the Ports of Stockholm, emphasized the urgency of tackling climate change and the crucial role of green maritime transport in the overall transformation of the transport sector.

Erik Söderholm, Managing Director of the Port of Turku, emphasized the environmental responsibility embedded in their operations, especially in the sensitive archipelago. The Port of Turku is actively working to become carbon neutral by 2029, as set out in the Turku Climate City Agreement, which was signed in 2023.

The partnership also takes into account findings from the Decatrip project, which involves Viking Line, Rauma Marine Constructions, Åbo Academy and Kempower. The parties involved are aiming for a gradual reduction in CO2 emissions over the course of the project and are ultimately committed to a 100% carbon-neutral sea route. The long-term vision foresees a possible expansion of the partnership to key players in maritime transport, including cargo owners and freight forwarders. The formal agreement was sealed at Stockholm City Hall on February 6, 2024.

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