Koridor signs cooperation agreement with Estonia on autonomous-vessel testing

Agreement

Koridor Maritime AS, headquartered in Ålesund, Norway, signed a five-year cooperation agreement on April 11, 2026 with Estonia's Ministry of Climate (which holds the maritime transport portfolio) to conduct autonomous cargo trials in Estonian territorial waters. Under the agreement Koridor will operate up to four autonomous coastal feeders between Tallinn, Sillamäe, and Ventspils, Latvia.

Vessels and crewing

The trial vessels are 78-meter battery-electric coastal feeders of Koridor's K-class. Each has nameplate cargo capacity of 220 TEU and a battery pack rated 7.2 MWh. Estonian regulations during the trial will require a minimum onboard crew of two for each transit through the Tallinn approach lanes; full uncrewed operation is permitted only east of meridian 25°00'E during daylight hours.

Insurance and liability

Insurance is underwritten by a consortium of three Nordic mutuals led by Skuld. The agreement explicitly assigns liability for any allision, collision, or grounding to Koridor for the duration of the trial; the Estonian state's exposure is limited to operational permits and shoreside infrastructure compatibility. Koridor has posted a €38 million bond as a precondition of the trial.

Reaction

Estonia's transport minister Toivo Hellermann said the agreement positions Estonia as a 'preferred regulatory testbed' for autonomous shipping in the Baltic. Latvian port officials at Ventspils have welcomed the inclusion of their port but noted the trial includes no provision for Latvian-flag vessels. The Norwegian Seafarers' Union opposed Koridor's selection of an Estonian regulatory partner, arguing it bypasses pending Norwegian autonomous-vessel rulemaking expected in 2027.

Key facts

• Koridor Maritime signed a five-year cooperation agreement with Estonia on April 11, 2026.
• The trials will operate autonomous cargo feeders in the Gulf of Finland between Tallinn, Sillamäe, and Ventspils.
• Up to four autonomous coastal feeders will be operated under the agreement.
• The K-class vessels are 78 meters long with 220 TEU nameplate capacity.
• Each vessel has a 7.2 MWh battery pack.
• Koridor Maritime is headquartered in Ålesund, Norway.
• Full uncrewed operation is permitted only east of meridian 25°00'E during daylight.
• Koridor posted a €38 million bond as a precondition of the trial.
• The Norwegian Seafarers' Union opposed Koridor's selection of an Estonian regulatory partner.

Details

publication

Baltic Maritime Wire

byline

Henrika Mustamäe

date

2026-04-12