Renewing the Baltic Sea fleet Viking Line CEO Marcus Risberg discusses with Philippe Holthof the company’s fleet renewal strategy, the evolving Helios concept and the regulatory uncertainties shaping investment decisions in the Baltic Sea ferry market Fleet renewal remains at the centre of Viking Line’s longterm strategy, but the timing has become increasingly dependent on regulatory clarity rather than technological readiness. The Ålandheadquartered ferry operator continues to refine its battery hybrid-electric Helios concept for the route between Helsinki, Finland, and Tallinn, Estonia. The aim of the project is to once again position the company at the forefront of environmental innovation, but it remains closely tied to the future direction of European and international maritime regulation. “We would like to be an environmental frontrunner again, but not at any price,” explains Marcus Risberg, who took over as Viking Line CEO from Jan Hanses in October 2025. The Helsinki-Tallinn route has become a strategic priority for Viking Line as it seeks to strengthen its position in a market where it currently operates a single vessel, Viking XPRS. Despite being the smallest of the three operators on the route, Risberg says the company has performed well since the pandemic, particularly on the passenger side. Freight volumes remain closely tied to economic developments in Finland, Estonia and the broader macroeconomic environment, with Viking Line’s recent growth largely reflecting strengthened market share rather than an expanding overall market. FEATURED INTERVIEW 76 Viking Line operates 21-hour Stockholm-Mariehamn round cruises on Birka Gotland as part of a 50:50 joint venture with Rederi AB Gotland Photo: Peter Sjöberg/FlygFoto Åland
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