The Electric Ship Factory (ESF) project has been launched as a two‑year initiative to accelerate the development and deployment of large fully electric RoPax and RoRo vessels for European short sea routes.
ESF focuses on industrializing shipbuilding through modular ship design, an automated construction process, and an integrated electric maritime corridor platform that supports efficient charging, operations, and lifecycle management. The project represents a major step toward a scalable, repeatable model for zero‑emission maritime transport.
To enable this shift, ESF tackles structural challenges that currently slow the transition to zero-emission shipping, including limited shipyard capacity, long delivery times, and the need for scalable onshore charging and energy solutions. By applying standardized modules and Industry 4.0 production methods, the initiative aims to significantly shorten throughput times and reduce vessel construction costs.
Led by Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), the consortium brings together leading research organisations and technology providers with within Finland´s maritime ecosystem. Industry partners include Pemamek, and Kempower, working alongside Åbo Akademi University, VTT, Tampere University and Aalto University. The project is partly funded by Business Finland. Additional in-kind expertise is provided by Solita, DNV and CeLLife.
With lots of suitable RoPax and RoRo vessels operating in Europe, the ESF project strengthens Finland’s position at the forefront of zero‑emission shipbuilding and lays the foundation for a replicable factory‑based model that can be adopted by other shipyards.
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