Through strong commitment and concrete measures to reduce its climate impact, Viking Line has become a leading player in the field of sustainable tourism. These measures have increased energy efficiency and reduced the amount of waste on all our ships. Our goal is to continuously reduce our carbon footprint and develop our operations towards a climate-neutral future.
The Baltic Sea and its archipelagos hold special importance for us at Viking Line. Our roots are here, and many of our employees live along its shores. Our hearts will always beat for the Baltic Sea. Together we can make the future even more climate-smart.
At Viking Line, we're passionate about climate-smart travel and new solutions that produce environmental benefits. Reduced emissions, reduced food waste, new technology and clever choices in our everyday lives are good for the Baltic Sea. Come follow along on our journey to a greener, more beautiful world. Think Smart — Go Red!
Click on the boxes below to read more about our environmental journey.
Viking Line starts offering passengers on Viking Glory and Viking Grace the option of purchasing biogas to carbon-offset their travel and thus reduce their own emissions by up to 90%.
On board Viking Glory, the lights are automatically turned off in empty cabins and the ventilation and heating are automatically lowered.
Viking Glory is also a pioneer in utilizing waste cooling from LNG. The energy recovery system generates up to 40% of the electricity the vessel needs for passenger functions.
Thanks to Viking Glory’s Azipod rudder propeller system, the vessel can be smoothly manoeuvred in port, which saves time and fuel. The shape of the vessel’s hull reduces the formation of waves as well as fuel consumption.
Viking Glory, the company’s second LNG-powered ship, is delivered to Viking Line.
The company’s first land-based power supply in Tallinn.
Rederiets första projekt för att minska mängden matsvinn per passagerare påbörjas.
The company’s first land-based power supply in Mariehamn.
The environmental performance of four of the company’s vessels is certified under Clean Shipping Index standards.
All of Viking Line’s vessels are issued ballast water certificates as proof that the vessels comply with the requirements set out by the Ballast Water Management Convention.
The Ocean Marine energy recovery system is installed on Viking Grace. Heat is converted into electricity using a unique vacuum process.
The shipping company returns used carpets from the ships to the manufacturer for reuse.
In late 2014, all of Viking Line’s vessels except Viking Grace switch to diesel oil with a sulphur content of less than 0.1 per cent by weight.
Three ships dispose of biowaste ashore to be used for biogas production.
The company’s first land-based power supply in Helsinki.
Viking Grace begins its service in 2013. Viking Grace is the first passenger vessel of its size class to use entirely sulphur-free, liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel. Compared to oil, nitrogen and particulate matter emissions are cut by 85% and greenhouse gas emissions are cut by 15%.
Viking Line Abp’s subsidiary Viking Line Buss Ab is certified in compliance with ISO 14001 environmental management standards (2012).
Recycling of biowaste begins on two vessels. Biowaste is transported to anaerobic digestion facilities to produce biogas.
Processed bilge water is pumped ashore to municipal waste-water treatment plants.
Catalyticc (SCR) converters are installed on Viking Cinderella to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
Installation of technology to reduce nitrogen emissions. The Humid Air Motor reduction technology is a globally unique method, which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by lowering the engine’s combustion temperature.
All vessels and the head office are certified in compliance with ISO 14001 environmental management standards (2001–2002).
Exhaust gas boilers are installed and used to heat the vessels’ ventilation air with the help of energy recovered from flue gases.
Sea water is used to cool the vessels’ ventilation air.
Dosage devices are installed to reduce the use of chemicals on board.
Grey and black water are pumped ashore to municipal waste-water treatment plants.
Transition to low-sulphur fuel (<0.5 per cent by weight) on all vessels to reduce sulphur oxide emissions.
The company’s first land-based power supply in Stockholm.
Waste recycling on board the vessels begins.
Using toxic paint for the bottoms of the vessels ends. Brushing of vessels bottoms with the help of divers begins.
Viking Line starts offering passengers on Viking Glory and Viking Grace the option of purchasing biogas to carbon-offset their travel and thus reduce their own emissions by up to 90%.
On board Viking Glory, the lights are automatically turned off in empty cabins and the ventilation and heating are automatically lowered.
Viking Glory is also a pioneer in utilizing waste cooling from LNG. The energy recovery system generates up to 40% of the electricity the vessel needs for passenger functions.
Thanks to Viking Glory’s Azipod rudder propeller system, the vessel can be smoothly manoeuvred in port, which saves time and fuel. The shape of the vessel’s hull reduces the formation of waves as well as fuel consumption.
Viking Glory, the company’s second LNG-powered ship, is delivered to Viking Line.
The company’s first land-based power supply in Tallinn.
Rederiets första projekt för att minska mängden matsvinn per passagerare påbörjas.
The company’s first land-based power supply in Mariehamn.
The environmental performance of four of the company’s vessels is certified under Clean Shipping Index standards.
All of Viking Line’s vessels are issued ballast water certificates as proof that the vessels comply with the requirements set out by the Ballast Water Management Convention.
The Ocean Marine energy recovery system is installed on Viking Grace. Heat is converted into electricity using a unique vacuum process.
The shipping company returns used carpets from the ships to the manufacturer for reuse.
In late 2014, all of Viking Line’s vessels except Viking Grace switch to diesel oil with a sulphur content of less than 0.1 per cent by weight.
Three ships dispose of biowaste ashore to be used for biogas production.
The company’s first land-based power supply in Helsinki.
Viking Grace begins its service in 2013. Viking Grace is the first passenger vessel of its size class to use entirely sulphur-free, liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel. Compared to oil, nitrogen and particulate matter emissions are cut by 85% and greenhouse gas emissions are cut by 15%.
Viking Line Abp’s subsidiary Viking Line Buss Ab is certified in compliance with ISO 14001 environmental management standards (2012).
Recycling of biowaste begins on two vessels. Biowaste is transported to anaerobic digestion facilities to produce biogas.
Processed bilge water is pumped ashore to municipal waste-water treatment plants.
Catalyticc (SCR) converters are installed on Viking Cinderella to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions.
Installation of technology to reduce nitrogen emissions. The Humid Air Motor reduction technology is a globally unique method, which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by lowering the engine’s combustion temperature.
All vessels and the head office are certified in compliance with ISO 14001 environmental management standards (2001–2002).
Exhaust gas boilers are installed and used to heat the vessels’ ventilation air with the help of energy recovered from flue gases.
Sea water is used to cool the vessels’ ventilation air.
Dosage devices are installed to reduce the use of chemicals on board.
Grey and black water are pumped ashore to municipal waste-water treatment plants.
Transition to low-sulphur fuel (<0.5 per cent by weight) on all vessels to reduce sulphur oxide emissions.
The company’s first land-based power supply in Stockholm.
Waste recycling on board the vessels begins.
Using toxic paint for the bottoms of the vessels ends. Brushing of vessels bottoms with the help of divers begins.
Our sustainability journey, which began back in the 1980s, is a cause that is close to our hearts.
Sustainable choices are part of all our operations, every day. We're happy and proud of this. Come follow along on our journey to a more sustainable and beautiful world. Think Smart — Go Red!
Viking Line is actively working to reduce emissions, such as by running Viking Glory and Viking Grace on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and using our food waste as a raw material for biofuel.
We have calculated the volume of emissions your journey generates, and you can contribute by buying biofuel that matches your emissions. In turn, this will allow us to increase the purchase of biofuel for carbon-neutral journeys. Check out more »
Safeguarding the Baltic Sea and the nature in its archipelagos is an issue that is dear to Viking Line. So we have actively developed our environmental work, taking a long-term approach, so that today we do more than what international agreements and national laws require.
Viking Line is an industry pioneer in sustainability, and as an Åland-based company we have a genuine concern about the condition of the Baltic Sea. We work actively to create customer-friendly, responsible solutions in everything we do. We chose early on to take an active role in the development of sustainable travel — an area we have been at the forefront of regarding new technological innovations, among other things. Our environmental work is also largely about day-to-day operations, where various measures such as waste sorting and environmental cleaning procedures contribute to a more climate-smart journey.
We believe the future is bright for climate-smart travel and for the Baltic Sea, and we look forward to being able to offer you experiences and services that exceed your expectations. Welcome to a greener, more beautiful world at sea.
We at Viking Line want to produce more from less and leave an ever smaller footprint behind us. The goal is to reduce fossil fuel usage and reduce emissions. We're holding a steady course towards the global goals and an ambitious agenda.
By using LNG and low-sulphur fuel, we can reduce nitrogen and greenhouse gas emissions, and by using a land-based power supply in port during the day, the emissions of air pollutants are reduced.
One important focus area in Viking Line's sustainability work is the optimisation of fuel use through a number of different measures. In the period 2015–2022, we invested more than 6 million euros in this work, and in 2008–2022, we succeeded in achieving a fuel saving of 30% per nautical mile. The newest addition to the fleet, Viking Glory, is almost 100% larger (90% more gross tonnage) than its predecessor, Amorella, but it consumes 5% less energy.
Sustainable travel for everyone is our motto.
Finding climate-smart innovations is a challenge that we at Viking Line really rise to. We strive to be the preferred choice for everyone who prefers climate-smart passenger travel and goods transport.
Through regular investments for sustainable maritime transport and climate-smart innovations, including on our new vessel, Viking Glory, we work continuously to offer sustainable cruises, route trips and cargo transport on the Baltic Sea.
At a time of active social debate and rapid change, we want to meet our customers' growing need for sustainable services and create customer-friendly, responsible solutions. We chose early on to take an active role in the development of sustainable travel — an area we are at the forefront of in terms of technological innovations and investments in sustainable maritime transport.
When we talk about sustainability, it is important to highlight that it is a matter of continuity. Never giving up, but instead always working for new solutions, finding new ways of improving, developing and doing our share for a sustainable future. By choosing Viking Line, you are part of this journey. We have been awarded ISO 14001 certification and comply with the International Safety Management (ISM) Code for ships at sea. Our environmental work goes beyond regulatory requirements.
A tasty meal on Viking Line is good for both your stomach and the environment. Significantly reduced food waste, cooperation with local suppliers and new menus are good examples of the results of our responsibility work, for the good of you and the planet. Let's do good together!
One of our biggest challenges in the buffet restaurants is food waste. We have managed to reduce this waste significantly by various means. Meals booked in advance, switching to smaller portion sizes, portioning out hot dishes and reminding that you can take less on your plate have yielded results. Together with our guests, we have worked continuously to reduce food waste, and we are very proud of this.
Responsibly produced free-range chicken eggs, organic tofu produced in Finland, sustainably produced high-quality chicken and small dairy cheeses made from pure Finnish ingredients are good examples of several high-quality products from local suppliers, making your meal good for both your stomach and the environment.
Our ship's extensive restaurant menus always offer tasty options for vegetarians and vegans, both in The Buffet, À la Carte restaurants and cafés. Vegan and plant-based options are also offered in the ships' conference catering. In our kitchens, we always choose the best seasonal ingredients produced as locally as possible.
This year, we have used no less than 1,800 kilos of organic tofu in our restaurants. Jalotofu from Finland is a pioneer in plant protein, and they have produced their tofu made from organic soybeans since 1989. Since the 80s, the company has believed that high-quality vegetarian food would take its place in home kitchens and restaurants. Today, tofu is well-known and loved as a part of more sustainable meals, both for everyday use and at festive events.
Responsibility in everyday life is not difficult and the best thing we can do is all make a difference — together! For our part, we work continuously to produce food adapted to consumption. We also want to minimise plate waste, and this is exactly where you can help us. Enjoy smaller portions and ask for more if you like. By booking your meal in advance, you secure your place and help us adjust production, considering the number of bookings.
On three of our vessels — Viking Glory, Viking Grace and Viking XPRS — biowaste is collected and then taken ashore to be converted into biogas. Biogas production does not increase the carbon dioxide concentration in the atmosphere, nor does it make the greenhouse gas effect worse.
Did you know that every day we do smart things for the environment? Through our active and long-term work, we have been developing our environmental work for decades.
Follow us on our journey towards a greener future and sustainable travel. Here are a few concrete tips for what you can do to help out.
You might be thinking — wouldn't it be better to leave the Baltic Sea alone? But you need to rethink that.
... and the majority of our vessels carry large cargo volumes of goods each day between Sweden, Finland and Estonia. A full 92% of Finland's exports are transported by sea! The EU promotes a sustainable, environmentally-adapted future for maritime transport as part of the European transport infrastructure. And we want to be part of that and do our duty.
Sustainable development is not just about reducing our climate footprint; it is also about prosperity, employment and the well-being of society and people.
Finland, Sweden and Estonia all belong to the core network of the Europe-wide transport network TEN-T. Maritime transport plays a crucial role in connecting the Nordic, Baltic and Central European transport infrastructure. Our traffic facilitates the reliable and regular shipping of large flows of goods.
Viking Line is the largest maritime transport employer in Finland. In total, one vessel employs more than 45 different professional groups in various sectors such as operations, maintenance, stores, the kitchen, hotel, entertainment, conference, ordering and medical care.
For understandable reasons, most of our ground staff live close to our market units and terminals. The maritime personnel, on the other hand, are much more widely spread geographically. The staff on our ships work in shifts, one week on/one week off, or alternatively 10 days on/10 days off. These extended free periods make it possible for our staff to live outside of the population centres. With these working arrangements, we are helping to maintain the populations in smaller towns and cities and to ensure that tax revenue is also generated in areas other than the main population centres.
Viking Line staff have been involved in charity projects for many years, resulting in donations to various causes. Examples include the Viking Challenge 2019 cycling challenge, which resulted in a donation to the Tvärminne Zoological Station and improved the health and well-being of the participants, as well as the collaboration with Vocational Education Live, where students with special needs were able to experience a completely new learning environment with Viking Line's LOADED WITH JOY concept. Viking Line has also supported aid for Ukraine in various ways.
Artist Tiina Elina Nurminen's works depict the joys of a cruise and find a large audience as the face of the shopping bags in Viking Line's duty-free stores. The outsider artist, who loves cruises, immortalised the new ship Viking Glory and the ship's mascot Ville Viking in her commissioned works.
Tiina Elina Nurminen works at the TaidePompo art studio of the Turku-based Into Art Centre in Ravattula. At Into Art Centre, artists who need support receive professional support from art mentors. Nurminen spent the entire year working on works commissioned by Viking Line.
"Tiina Elina Nurminen's past stunning works impressed us. We also knew about her love for cruises and the red ships of her hometown. Therefore, ordering the illustrations for our new shopping bags from her made perfect sense. From our ships, the shopping bags have spread with our passengers around Finland and the world, giving her work, which brims with joie de vivre, huge exposure. A multi-voiced art world enriches society. It is gratifying that equality issues are currently moving forward at leaps and bounds. In many ways, diversity has become the new normal. Everyone is welcome on board our ships. That's why we also want to highlight the diversity of art and culture. Art is a very important means of self-expression and self-realisation for people who need special support. By collaborating with Nurminen, Into Art Centre and Aboa Vetus, we want to contribute in our own way to raising the profile of special art activities," says Dani Lindberg.
Tiina Elina Nurminen (b. 1960) from Turku has participated in several group exhibitions in Finland. These have included the 10th-anniversary exhibition of Into Art Centre at Brinkkala Gallery (Turku 2019), the "Viidakossa tarkkaillaan" (Eyes in the jungle) exhibition at Galleria Kaarisilta (Helsinki 2018) and the art of special groups from the Nordic countries at the "Outoja lintua, kummia kaloja" (Weird birds, peculiar fishes) exhibition at Gallery ARX (Hämeenlinna 2008).
In addition, her work was exhibited in Melbourne, Australia, in 2009 (Revealing the Human, Arts Project Australia), and she has also participated in making several public works of art. In 2014, Tiina Elina was chosen as Kettuki's artist of the year.