The support is intended to be used for the acquisition of a new ferry to ensure that transport between the islands is organised to meet the needs of the inhabitants of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, in accordance with the Small Islands Act with Püsiamet. The ice class (year-round navigation) passenger ferry to be built in the framework of the project will be used in the Estonian coastal sea for short sea shipping between the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The vessel is designed to carry passengers, cars and cargo with a capacity of 22 passenger cars or 2 lorries (á 45 t) and a maximum number of passengers of 200 persons (the vessel can later be fitted with a platform deck with a capacity of 10 passenger cars). The vessel has a length of 45 m, a width of 12 m and a draught of 2.7 m. The maximum speed of 12,2 knots, the operating speed in free water 12 knots and the crew size of 6 persons between islands are the responsibility of the State. The needs of the population would be met by a year-round shipping service.