Reducing CO2 emissions in island ferry traffic

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Finland-Estonia-Latvia-Sweden (Central Baltic)

Date of latest update: 2025-01-21

Description

Description (EN):

The island ferry transport of passengers and light vehicles is a relatively small sector, compared to other transport nodes. Ferry connections between mainland and islands of Central Baltic (CB) form an important part of the intermodal transport chains linking islands to urban centres, where usually no other options are available for the users of those services. The ferry ports constitute essential intermodal nodes in these transport chains. Climate actions are at the core of the EU Green Deal. These policy objectives have been passed on to national policies. These policies aim at remarkable reductions of GHG emissions in the field of transport. The island ferry companies need to comply with these policies. An individual ferry operator faces the challenge to follow new CO2 reduction technologies for making decisions in procuring and operating the best new technology. The low-carbon fuels and electrification of transport are developing fast. The options to use these fuels in ferry operation need more attention. The organizational improvements of the whole ferry transport system (e.g. routing, scheduling, enhanced digitalisation) can provide also potential to decrease CO2 emissions. These elements are explored jointly in co-operation to provide value-added and cost-efficiency to each partner. Sharing knowledge and best practices is in the heart of REISFER project. Reducing CO2 emissions in island ferry traffic (REISFER) project aims to improve the transport area and intermodal nodes by reducing the CO2 emissions 10-20% of the island ferry traffic in Estonia, Finland, Åland and Sweden. The main outputs are the decreased CO2 emissions in ferry transport areas and nodes realised by technical and operative changes in ferry transport. The beneficiaries are all users of this public service. This group consists of permanent inhabitants of the islands, leisure time house owners, tourists and other visitors. In addition, different private enterprises that use the service will benefit. REISFER aims at reducing fossil energy consumption leading to reduced GHG emissions. This is conducted in two main complementary entities: 1. CO2 reduction possibilities and perceptions towards low-emission shipping in the CB ferry traffic With relatively old fleets in inter-island ferry transport in EE, FI, SE and AX, there are significant possibilities to reduce the overall emissions in each country and region. This is essential as the vessels operate in particularly vulnerable archipelago habitats. Although, the operational conditions are complex, and despite some similarities, these vary between the countries. It is important to understand the overall setting, juridical, market-related, institutional, societal and personal factors to reduce CO2 emissions more efficiently. Guidelines for emission reduction will be presented. Extensive communication outside the consortium will be ensured through (social)media and the three REISFER conferences. 2. Piloting CO2 emission abatement methods and technology to ferries are grouped as - electrification of ferries, including batteries, charging infra on vessels and shoreside - technologies to reduce fuel consumption, including improved heating and cooling, blasting and painting, LED lighting and propellers; - operational methods such as energy management systems are installed, ways to optimise ferry traffic system are screened (alternative routng, eco-driving). All installed technologies have trial runs and impact on fuel consumption is monitored, data is collected and analysed. Results of pilots are summarised, and guidelines produced for replicability. The competence of ferry company staff is increased by training, joint seminars, study visits and produced learning materials in using new methods for emission reduction. At the beginning of the project, the baseline for CO2 emissions is studied in detail. After procurements and installations, the pilots are producing data that is analysed and the decreased CO2 emissions are verified. The methodology is based on the data derived from the fuel consumption. Additional factors explaining the fuel consumption are weather conditions, schedule (speed), route etc. Also, different crews can explain varying consumption levels (to be ameliorated with eco-driving education). These issues need to be incorporated into the methodology to optimise energy consumption for less emissions. An equally important dimension in decreasing CO2 emissions is to find carbon-free substitutes (or less carbon) for fossil fuels and analyse their feasibility and Impact on decreased emissions. REISFER is the first common development project of island ferry segment. Increasing know-how together is seen crucial. The work will be conducted in international teams to guarantee the optimal sharing of information, knowledge and practices across the partnership. The intermediate and final results are shared in common meetings and seminars, and eventually in public reports.

Expected Achievements (EN):

The main objective of WP1 is to form a common understanding on the operating environment and organisation of CB ferry transportation along with the status of CO2 emissions in the region. Analyses and surveys among different target groups provide insight to the various juridical, market-related, institutional, societal, and personal factors that affect the pace and direction of the transition towards lower CO2 levels. The specific objective of WP2 is to gain knowledge of the effectiveness of different energy consumption technologies and methods to reduce CO2 emissions in inter-island ferry transportation in the Central Baltic region.

Project outputs: Joint actions towards common understanding on emission reduction(EN)
Piloting and showcasing emission reduction technologies and methods to enable replicability(EN)

Thematic information

Multimodal transport Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-A_CB_P2) Improved environment and resource use

Priority specific objective: RSO2.8. Promoting sustainable multimodal urban mobility, as part of transition to a net zero carbon economy

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 085 Digitalisation of transport when dedicated in part to greenhouse gas emissions reduction: urban transport

Partners (9)

Lead Partner: Tallinna Tehnikaülikool

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EE100224841

Department: TalTech Estonian Maritime Academy

Address: Ehitajate tee, 19086 Tallinn, Estonia

Department address: Kopli, 11712 Tallinn, Estonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.taltech.ee

Total budget: EUR 634 660.26

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 507 728.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 126 932.06

Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy

Name: Suomenlinnan Liikenne Oy

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FI01144823

Address: Hämeentie, 00550 Helsinki, Finland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: https://www.suomenlinnanliikenne.fi/

Total budget: EUR 115 363.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 92 290.72

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 072.68

Statens Väg och Transportforskningsinstitut

Name: Statens Väg och Transportforskningsinstitut

Department: Traffic analysis and logistics department and environmental department

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SE202100070401

Address: Olaus Magnus väg, 583 30 Linköping, Sweden

Department address: Malvinas väg, 114 28 Stockholm, Sweden

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.vti.se

Total budget: EUR 265 923.10

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 212 738.48

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 53 184.62

Ålands landskapsregering

Name: Ålands landskapsregering

Department: Department of Infrastructure

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FO-0145076-7

Address: Strandgatan (POB 1060), AX-22111 Mariehamn, Finland

Department address: Strandgatan (POB 1060), AX-22111 Mariehamn, Finland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.regeringen.ax

Total budget: EUR 385 015.99

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 308 012.79

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 77 003.20

Riigilaevastik

Name: Riigilaevastik

Department: Department of Technical Administration and Planning

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EE102630242

Address: Lume, 10416 Tallinn, Estonia

Department address: Lume, 10416 Tallinn, Estonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.riigilaevastik.ee

Total budget: EUR 820 252.75

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 656 202.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 164 050.55

Contractors:

Name: Baltic Workboats AS
VAT registration or tax identification number: 10657801

Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy

Name: Suomen Lauttaliikenne Oy

Department: Managment

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2199546-5

Address: Lemminkäisenkatu, 20520 Turku, Finland

Department address: Lemminkäisenkatu, 20520 Turku, Finland

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.finferries.fi

Total budget: EUR 470 028.70

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 376 022.96

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 94 005.74

AS Kihnu Veeteed

Name: AS Kihnu Veeteed

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EE100763700

Address: Sääre küla, 88005 Kihnu vald, Pärnumaa, Estonia

Department address: Sääre küla, 88005 Kihnu vald, Pärnumaa, Estonia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.veeteed.com

Total budget: EUR 82 189.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 65 751.84

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 437.96

Blidösundsbolaget AB

Name: Blidösundsbolaget AB

Department: Tecnical Department

Partner’s ID if not PIC: VAT5565334231SE

Address: Ferkens Gränd, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden

Department address: Ferkens Gränd, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.blidosundsbolaget.se

Total budget: EUR 688 388.10

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 550 710.48

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 137 677.62

Turun yliopisto

Name: Turun yliopisto

Department: Turku School of Economics/Operations & Supply Chain Management

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FI02458963

Address: Rehtorinpellonkatu, 20014 Turku, Finland

Department address: Rehtorinpellonkatu, 20014 Turku, Finland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.utu.fi/en/university/turku-school-of-economics

Total budget: EUR 299 146.65

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 239 317.32

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 59 829.33

Partners map

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Reducing CO2 emissions in island ferry traffic

Project acronym: REISFER

Project ID: CB0300186

Project start date: 2024-04-01

Project end date: 2027-03-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Sustainable flow of goods and decreased CO2 emissions of transportation (Interreg CB, ongoing) (EN) | Sustainable freight flows and CO2 reduction in shipping in the Baltic Sea. Development of a digital tool and measures and actions for energy saving and renewable energy production in ports as hubs, to be implemented in real pilot ports (Rauma, Pori, Mariehamn, Finland; Norrköping and Oxelösund, Sweden; Tallinn, Estonia; Riga, Latvia). (EN), Airship (Horizon Europe, ongoing) (EN) | An innovative flying ship for the transport of people and goods to islands and inland waterways. Autonomous, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly WIG drones, with emission-free electrical systems. (EN), Green Small Craft (Interreg BSR) (EN) | The project aimed to reduce the main negative impacts of high-speed craft cursing in the Baltic Sea by improving in design and operation of future high-speed craft for a clean, safe and smart boating. (EN), Human XFactor at Sea (Interreg BSR) (EN) | The project addresses the gaps in understanding the human factor in the rapidly digitalising maritime environment by creating a strategy for the industry in order to sustain safety performance through a better understanding of the risks in the nature of changing maritime operations. Understanding human behaviour is an important dimension in decreasing the use of fossil fuels in ferry operations. Eco-driving training in the REISFER project and the consequent change in crew behaviour link this project to the Human XFactor at Sea. (EN), Developing a methodology for shipping-related and characterisation of the environmental impact of shipping in Estonia and preliminary assessment (EN) | This study was completed by the order of the Estonian Ministry of Environment in 2022 . This project links to the objectives of the REISFER project. (EN), Ferry traffic of the future – study of the development needs (EN) | The University of Turku had a strong role in the study made for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland. The results can be partly taken into practice in the REISFER project (EN), Island accessibility challenges: Rural transport in
the Finnish archipelago (EN) | The research was conducted already in 2013 but it still provides valid information on this little-studied issue. This can be used in developing ferry routing in the REISFER project. (EN), Eco-efficiency to maritime industry processes in the Baltic Sea Region through digitalisation (ECOPRODIGI, Interreg BSR) (EN) | ECORODIGI focused on eco-efficiency on the whole value chain of design, building, stowage, usage, maintenance, and conversion processes vessels. REISFER can use one part of the project, energy monitoring results, as background material. (EN), Arc Gate - Innovative Service Points for Maritime Tourists (Interreg Central Baltic) (EN) | This project from the previous CB programme period project provides background information on the users who would be a target group of the climate-friendly solutions piloted in the REISFER project. (EN), E-Ferry (H2020) (EN) | E-ferry focused on design, building and demonstration a of new fully electric-powered ‘green’ ferry which can sail without polluting and CO2 emissions. REISFER is focusing to retrofit and operational solutions to decrease CO2 emissions in island ferries. E-Ferry can provide some insights to the REISFER project. (EN), Regions4Climate (EN) | Just as REISFER, the project aims to collaboratively develop and demonstrate a socially-just transition to climate resilience. The area of Nordic Archipelago focuses on shipping and ferry services, tourism , and the production and processing of agricultural and fishery products. With both initiatives focusing on improving ferry traffic in the Baltics and facilitate the move towards climate-neutrality, there are major links between the projects. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 3 760 968.75

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 3 008 774.99

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 3 008 774.99. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Report on the set up of inter-island ferry transport in the CB region
Report on the current status of CO2 emissions in CB ferry companies
Comparative report on island ferry traffic market and procurement criteria in EE, FI, SE and AX
Study on operators' business environments:possibilities and preconditions to engage in CO2 reduction
Cross-border study on the sea-going staff's preparedness to adapt to new developments in their field
Report on end-users' perceptions and preferences regarding CO2 reduction in EE, FI, SE and AX
Analysis of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions data (retrieved from WP2 pilots)
Set of guidelines for decreasing CO2 emission in ferry transport
Communication Strategy
Annual REISFER conferences and stakeholder workshops
Electrification of ferry routes
Electrification of ferries
Overview of procurement and advancements for the electrification of ferry lines
Effect of cooling and heating improvements on ferries
Effect of blasting and painting on CO2 emissions
Effects of more efficient lighting on-board ferries
Effects of less emitting technology and more efficient propellers
Overview of procurement and advancements regarding technical solutions used to reduce CO2 emissions
Report on the implementation of energy management systems
Report on optimizing ferry traffic, incl. intermodality to connecting transport modes
Eco-driving training principles and learning materials
Overview of procurement and advancements regarding operational methods to reduce CO2 emissions
Study visits
Joint technical workshops and experience exchange seminars
Eco-driving training
Overview of the status of experience exchange and increasing the competence of ferry company staff

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion REISFER project contributes directly to the objective of the Political Area (PA) Ship. it contributes to clean shipping. It also partly contributes to PA Transport.
Other European Green Deal - REISFER contributes by reducing net greenhouse gas emissions.
Fit for 55 is part of Green Deal. The FuelEU Maritime initiative is a new regulation proposal due to come into effect in 2025. The initiative will require all vessels of 5,000 GT and above to start reducing the GHG intensity of the energy they use onboard. At the same time, all ships must start increasing their use of renewable and low-carbon fuels. The 5, 000 GT limit does not apply to most island ferries which are smaller but it is now evaluated that this would start in near future to apply to vessels 400 GT and above. EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) would be revised in the same way.
The alternative fuels infrastructure regulation (AFIR, part of EU’s Fit for 55 package) is a scheme designed to increase the availability of both alternative fuels within the EU and more climate-friendly electrical power supplies at ports. The REISFER project will
prepare the island ferry operators and fleet owners to these changes, and also create demand for alternative fuels, thus mitigating the chicken-egg problem with greener fuels.
Other EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure directive (AFID) is a scheme designed to increase the availability of both alternative fuels within the EU and more climate-friendly electrical power supplies at ports. REISFER creates demand for these fuels.
Other EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure directive (AFID) is a scheme designed to increase the availability of both alternative fuels within the EU and more climate-friendly electrical power supplies at ports. REISFER creates demand for these fuels.
REISFER contributes to all partner countries' national GHG strategies.
"Sweden’s long-term strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions" sets the target: GHG emissions should decrease 70% by 2030 (from 2010 level) in domestic transports.
Sweden’s national road ferry authority Färjerederiet has published its Vision 45 strategy, which aims at making Swedish road operations climate neutral by 2045.
"Medium-Term Climate Change Policy Plan - Towards a carbon-neutral society in 2035 Finland" sets the target: traffic emissions should decrease 50% by 2030 (from 2005 level).
"Estonia 2035 -Action plan of the republic". The transport sector is set to decrease CO2 emissions 30% by 2035 (compared with 2018).
Energy and climate strategy in Åland 2030 sets the target: the county will decrease emissions 60% by 2030 (from 2005 level). One measure focuses on the island ferry traffic where emissions are to be decreased 50% (from
2015 level).
Government of Åland is keen on reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions in its road and island ferry operations, as demonstrated in its Environmental reports. The means include wider application of eco-driving and eco-shipping principles.
REISFER supports all these strategies, action plans and approaches by helping the countries to achieve the targets.
Other United Nation's International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 goal is to reduce GHG emissions from international shipping by 50 % compared with reference year 2008. REISFER project contributes to achieving this target.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Sverige (SE), Stockholm, Ferkens gränd, 3, 11130
Suomi/Finland (FI), Turku, Lemminkäisenkatu, 59, 20520
Sverige (SE), Stockholm, Ferkens gränd, 3, 11130
Sverige (SE), Stockholm, Ferkens gränd, 3, 11130
Eesti (EE), Tallinn, Lume, 9, 10416
Eesti (EE), Tallinn, Lume, 9, 10416
Eesti (EE), Tallinn, Lume, 9, 10416
Finland, Mariehamn, Strandgatan, 37, AX-22111
Suomi/Finland (FI), Helsinki, Hämeentie, 86A, 00550

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 081 - Participations in joint actions across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Result Indicator:

PSR5 Improved intermodal transport nodes and transport areas with CO2 reductions, Measurement unit: number

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSBSR

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Finland-Estonia-Latvia-Sweden (Central Baltic)

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-01-21

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

63 / 63 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

251 / 251 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Reducing CO2 emissions in island ferry traffic

Description

Thematic information

Partners (9)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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