REISFER reaching the mid-term with promising results

Last week on 25 September, on the World Maritime Day focusing on Our Ocean, Our Obligation and Our Opportunity, the REISFER consortium once again gathered in TalTech Estonian Maritime Academy.

Officially launched already 1,5 years ago, the project has reached its half way milestone with results that are on the course to exceed the initial targets to reduce 10 – 20% of CO2 emissions from selected island ferries on the ferry transport system of the Central Baltic region.

During the meeting the partners looked into the challenges risen so far and how to address these, but most importantly discussed over the latest deliverables and achieved results.

The third period produced two new studies to get to know.

The report “The Business Environment for Island Ferry Services in the Central Baltic Region – Possibilities and Preconditions to Engage in CO2 Reduction” is a sequence to the report introduced in the previous period regarding ferry governance markets in the Central Baltic region. This report builds on those findings by providing further insights into additional factors influencing island ferry operations.

The second report in the third period focused on an operational measure that could have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions from island ferry transport. “The Feasibility and Cost-Benefit Analysis of the Alternativ Route of Kihnu – Munalaid Ferry Line” analysed the existing route and the alternative route through Kakra Channel by comparing environmental and socio-economic factors of both routes.

During the meeting the following mid-term achievements were emphasized:

• Fully electric M/S Silverö is in operation in the Stockholm archipelago since summer 2025
• Energy Management Systems are installed on 8 ferries to enable the making of informed decisions toward lower fuel consumption
• Installing of the LED lighting has started onboard M/V Kihnu Virve, five more ferries to follow
• HVAC systems are being installed for further energy savings
• Several knowledge exchange seminars and the first ever Island Ferry Summit have been held

The consortium also visited the Estonian State Fleets more than 60-year old icebreaker Tarmo, that is nearing the end of its operational life and about to retire in three years. Although a jump back in time with authentic interior and much of its systems, IB Tarmo managed to surprise the REISFER consortium with being diesel-electric since its building in 1963.

On Friday, 26 September, members of REISFER took part of the XXI International Maritime Conference. The title of this years’ conference was “New Reality in Maritime”.

REISFER is still full speed ahead. Or more like optimal – keeping the eco-driving principles in mind – speed ahead and aiming to reach our remaining targets. Follow the voyage and hope to see you in April in Stockholm for the 2nd REISFER Conference.