The Ministry of Transport and Communications decision to grant Viking Line EUR 28 million for vessel investments improving the level of environmental protection has been approved by the European Commission.
The Ministry granted Viking Line Abp the aid in December 2010. However, because of the amount of the aid in question, the decision had to be submitted to the European Commission for separate approval.
Viking Line applied for aid for investments improving the level of environmental protection in its new passenger vessel. The vessel will use liquefied natural gas as its fuel, which will substantially reduce air pollution and energy efficiency is also a major consideration in its design. The new vessel is expected to go into service on the route between Turku and Stockholm in early 2013.
The aid is paid to the shipping company after the vessel has been signed over to the beneficiary of the aid and the vessel has been included in the Register of Merchant Vessels.
The environmental aid scheme for new vessels in maritime traffic to and from Finland was approved by the European Commission in December 2011. The purpose of the scheme is to encourage shipping companies to invest in environmental protection and to promote the use of new environmental technology.
Further information: Mr Tero Jokilehto, Director of Unit, tel. +358 40 535 0574, and Ms Hanna Perälä, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 40 031 6762
