The freight industry is changing. All across Europe, ferry operators are making changes to their fleets or welcoming new additions. Perhaps nowhere reflects this shift towards sustainable transport more than the Baltic Sea.

These are some of the biggest developments we can expect to see over the coming months.

POLSCA Baltic Ferries invests in the future of freight

On the 15th of September 2025, POLSCA Baltic Ferries (formed through the partial merger of Polferries and Unity Line earlier in 2025) purchased the Jantar Unity - a vessel named after the famous Baltic Amber - which was built at the Gdańsk Shipyard in Poland. The vessel is currently undergoing essential trials before it officially enters service towards the start of 2026.

The Jantar Unity is the first in a new line of modern Ro-Pax ferries built for the POLSCA Baltic Ferries project. Each ship will be 195.6 metres long and 32.2 metres wide, with a cargo area for lorries and passenger cars of 4,100 square metres. The ferries will be able to carry up to 400 passengers and 50 crew members, and their maximum speed will be 19 knots.

What sets the Jantar Unity apart is its advanced hybrid propulsion system. Instead of traditional diesel engines, it uses four liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines in addition to a battery-assistance system. LNG is a transitional fuel that drastically reduces CO2 emissions and eliminates harmful pollutants such as sulphur oxides. 

This hybrid system also includes azimuth thrusters at the stern and bow, which significantly improve manoeuvrability, facilitating and increasing the safety of docking. The investment by Polskie Promy aims to strengthen Poland’s position in the Baltic Sea through the use of environmentally-friendly technologies.

Viking Line waves goodbye to fossil fuels

While some operators are investing in new ships, others are transforming the way their current fleets operate. 

From the 1st of September 2025, Viking Line Cargo has been offering transport without fossil fuels on all three of their Baltic Sea routes:

• Turku–Stockholm
• Helsinki–Stockholm
• Helsinki–Tallinn

Viking Line has partnered with Gasum to increase its liquefied biogas (LBG) purchases to at least 3,800 tonnes this year, a significant increase from the 600 tonnes used in 2024.

By replacing fossil fuels with LBG (a certified European biofuel) Viking Line has significantly reduced their environmental impact on the Baltic Sea. 

Finnlines invests in methanol-powered ships

Another operator that is strengthening its commitment to sustainability on the Baltic Sea is Finnlines, which has introduced a new class of ships adapted for their Finland-Germany routes; Hanko - Rostock and Helsinki - Travemunde.

The company has announced an order for three new-generation Ro-Pax ships belonging to the newly designated ‘Hansa Superstar’ class. The ships, built by China Merchants Jinling Shipyard, are scheduled for delivery in 2028–2029.

These ships have been designed with the future of shipping in mind. They are equipped with engines capable of running on methanol, a key ‘fuel of the future’ that enables ‘net zero emissions’. The optimised design of the ships' hull and propeller, together with energy-efficient energy management systems and shore power readiness, is expected to reduce CO2 emissions per unit of cargo transported by more than 50% compared to current ships on the same routes.

This investment reflects a broader trend in the industry, where sustainability goes hand in hand with high-quality service.

Navigating towards a sustainable future for transport

As the ferry and transport industry enters a new, greener era, choosing the right transport solution is more important than ever. 

That’s where we come in. As a leading transport ticket agent, Freightlink connects carriers, drivers, couriers and manufacturers across Europe, offering cost-effective transport solutions covering ferries, rail and tunnels. Whether you are a small business or a large corporation, we help you navigate the changing world of sustainable shipping.

Get in touch with our experts today.

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