Estonia has unveiled a new multipurpose workboat for its state fleet that runs on compressed biomethane (CBM) and battery-electric propulsion, in what the operator describes as the first such combination among larger workboats in Estonia and the wider region.

Named KRATT, the 38-metre vessel was designed and built by Estonian shipbuilder Baltic Workboats Ltd, with the hull constructed under subcontract at Damen Shipyards Gdańsk before being transported to Estonia for outfitting and systems integration. The hull was completed in 2025.

The vessel is equipped with a 400 kWh battery system and four 350 kW gas generators. According to the operator, KRATT can travel up to 1,000 nautical miles at 7 knots on biomethane, operate for up to two hours at 5 knots on battery power alone, and provide electrical power at anchor for up to 10 hours.

KRATT measures 38 metres in length and 10 metres in width, and carries an Ice Class 1C rating, enabling operation in up to 40 cm of level ice at speeds of at least 2 knots — a requirement given the demanding conditions of the Baltic Sea.

The vessel is designed to perform a range of state maritime tasks from a single platform, including navigation buoy maintenance and deployment, fairway services, oil pollution response, search and rescue support, and marine, environmental, oceanographic, hydrographic and geological research. A 15-tonne deck crane supports the handling of heavy equipment across these missions.

The total investment in KRATT amounted to €22m, financed through the European Union's NextGenerationEU Recovery Fund.