First electric cable ferry starts service in Finland’s lake region

The first electric cable ferry in Finland’s lake region has started operating between Lamposaari and the mainland in Lappeenranta, Yle reports. It is currently running on diesel because its shore-side charging station is not ready, but is expected to switch fully to electric power before the end of 2026.

Finnish Ferry Traffic Ltd plans to introduce 16 electric ferries on 12 routes across the region by the end of 2028. Project director Matti Markkanen called the programme the biggest change to cable ferry services in the area in decades. The ferries are being built at a shipyard in Inkilänniemi, Savonlinna.

The Lamposaari ferry has large batteries that power electric motors pulling it along its cables. It can also use diesel engines, which can charge the batteries. At the mainland landing, an induction plate will connect with a matching plate on shore to transfer electricity to the ferry.

The new ferries will carry more than those being retired: capacity is increasing from 40 to 60 tonnes to as much as 90 tonnes. Lamposaari ferry operator Veli-Matti Gröhn said the new vessel is easy to steer using a joystick.

Further ferries are scheduled for Kietävälä, Rongonsalmi and Tappuvirta in 2026. In 2027, deployments are planned for Puutossalmi, Koivukanta, Kyläniemi, Hanhivirta, Kortesalmi and Hirvisalmi. In 2028, plans include a second ferry at Puutossalmi, as well as ferries at Hätinvirta and Kuparonvirta.