Tallink Silja Line has officially opened the new Helsinki Vuosaari to Muuga route, reducing congestion and pollution in the city of Tallinn.

The re-routing of the freight ferry Sea Wind means that around 40,000 lorries per year will benefit from the change in ferry route.

At the official opening of the new route at Muuga Harbour on Wednesday, 4 October, Janek Stalmeister, CEO of Tallink Grupp said:

"Cargo transport between Estonia and Finland is increasing and, based on our estimations and current client demand, we believe the Muuga-Vuosaari route will provide further growth potential.

By re-routing Sea Wind to Muuga Harbour, we can offer our clients a smoother and faster service on the one hand, and, on the other, play our part in reducing the traffic passing through Tallinn city centre."

The Muuga <> Helsinki Vuosaari route is six nautical miles shorter than the current route from Tallinn Vuosaari. Freight companies will also benefit from easier access to the Tallinn bypass, which provides faster access to the main Estonian transport routes.

The Ro-Ro ferry Sea Wind is 152 metres long allowing it to carry around a kilometre of lorries.

Muuga harbour is Estonia's largest and deepest port located just outside Tallinn. Three berths are specifically designed for handling Ro-Ro ferries. Currently, nearly 20 million tonnes of cargo pass through the port of Tallinn every year.