Steerprop to supply next-generation propulsors for Estonia's first fully electric ferry

Steerprop said on 16 October 2026 that it will supply the latest version of its contra-rotating propeller technology for a fully electric ferry that Polish shipyard CRIST SA is building for the Estonian State Fleet. The company described the ship as Estonia's first fully electric passenger ferry. It will be propelled by two Steerprop SP 25 CRP units with permanent magnet motor drives, and it will be the first vessel to use the next generation of that CRP technology.

The next generation uses pressure lubrication as standard on smaller CRP units. Steerprop said that removing immersion lubrication reduces mechanical losses and gives an increase of around 3.5 percentage points in mechanical efficiency. The 95-metre ferry, designed by LMG Marin, will use renewable shore power, with electricity stored in a 3MWh battery system, and auxiliary biodiesel generators for severe weather and emergencies. It will be classed to 1B Ice Class, for operation in ice of up to 60cm thick.

Steerprop's propulsion equipment is scheduled for delivery in late 2027. The vessel is expected to enter operation in late 2028. Steerprop stated the design and construction contract at EUR 49.93 million, co-funded by the European Union Modernisation Fund (EUR 28 million) and Estonia's CO₂ quota trading mechanisms.

Markku Miinala, Steerprop's cruise and ferry segment director, said: "Steerprop is pleased to widen its installed base in Estonia, where we already operate four double-ended ferries with Steerprop CRP propulsors on the Saaremaa and Hiiumaa routes."

The Estonian State Fleet has identified this ship as the fifth ferry planned for Virtsu–Kuivastu. Estonian State Fleet, 14 October 2026 (opens in a new tab).