Viking Line passengers can reduce their emissions from travel by up to 90 percent with biogas provided by Gasum

Starting June 21, Viking Line’s passengers on the Turku-Åland-Stockholm route can purchase biogas in proportion to the amount of fuel used for their journey. On a cruise between Turku and Stockholm, the additional price is less than 5 euros. At that price, passengers reduce their carbon footprint by up to 90 percent compared to a trip where liquefied natural gas (LNG) is used. The amount of liquefied biogas (LBG) purchased is based on average fuel use per passenger.

Viking Glory and Viking Grace are climate-smart vessels that even in the planning phase were prepared to run on biogas and synthetic fuels produced from renewable energy. Viking Glory was launched in service in 2022 and Viking Grace in 2013. Normally, the vessels run on liquefied natural gas, which is also a low-emission energy source compared to oil-based fuels.

Nitrogen oxide emissions from LNG are 85 per cent lower than when using oil-based fuels, which helps counter eutrophication (nutrient enrichment) and acidification of the Baltic Sea. For humans, practically no sulphur emissions or particulate matter is generated using the fuel. The switch to biofuel in turn will especially reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Biogas is part of the circular economy

In biogas production, waste streams in society – such as food and agricultural waste – are used as raw materials, which promotes a circular economy. Viking Line is issued a sustainability certificate for every biogas delivery, which specifies where and how the gas was produced. The method used to produce the gas affects the ultimate amount of emissions. In practical terms, Viking Line purchases biogas with the additional funds paid by passengers. The biogas used for fuel on board is mixed with LNG.

"The supply of biogas is still limited compared to demand. For example, all biogas produced in Finland is currently used in manufacturing. We will now work in partnership with Gasum and our environmentally-aware customers to increase the use of biogas," says Dani Lindberg Sustainability Manager at Viking Line.

Viking Line is currently taking part in projects that explore the possibilities of creating a carbon-neutral green corridor for the Baltic Sea. Biogas has already been tested as a fuel on Viking Grace.

"Through our project work and partnership for the sustainable maritime transport of the future, we have gained a great deal of knowledge and information to support our own sustainability work. Carbon-neutral maritime transport still lies in the future, but it is no longer a utopian dream. Our goal at Viking Line is to be among the first when the time comes," says Jan Hanses, President and CEO of Viking Line.

Photo: Viking Line