Estonia's State Fleet took delivery of a new €22 million compressed biomethane vessel this week, designed to install navigational aids, conduct research and respond to marine pollution.
The Kratt, built at Baltic Workboats' shipyard in Nasva, represents the first operational maritime deployment of compressed biomethane as marine fuel at commercial scale.
The vessel is powered by renewable biomethane extracted from cow manure, combined with electric auxiliary systems.
State Fleet Director General Andres Laasma said the vessel serves as a testing ground for maritime biomethane whilst demonstrating fuel production capacity within Estonia, positioning the technology as a potential export product for the domestic marine engineering sector.
Baltic Workboats CEO Margus Vanaselja noted that the project demonstrates Estonia's capability to develop and build complex maritime projects, with potential sales to other European markets prioritising green shipping solutions.
Kratt captain Sander Laus, who served in a shore-based training role for the past year, said the vessel offers significant operational advantages over the State Fleet's previous buoy tender, which is more than 30 years old.
The new vessel includes advanced navigation and automation systems designed to reduce crew workload on extended offshore missions.
According to shipping analyst Marko Matvere, 'the fuel is cheaper than diesel and converts agricultural waste into marine energy'.
Matvere highlighted the environmental benefit of utilising manure-derived gas for commercial shipping, reducing both fuel costs and emissions for vessels with high consumption profiles.
The State Fleet's next major project, a new ferry for Estonia's major islands expected in 2027, will use electric propulsion.
Estonia’s State Fleet takes delivery of biomethane-powered vessel
