|
Belt ferries to plug-in hybrids
Copenhagen, 10 June 2025
|
|
The aim is to reduce CO2e emissions by up to 80 per cent and promote ferry operations based on power from renewable energy sources.
"It's about more than just technology - it's about responsibility. As a ferry company operating daily in one of the world's most sensitive waters, we have a special obligation to protect the marine environment we operate in," says Scandlines' COO, Michael Guldmann Petersen.
Investing in the future of the sea
On average, in just 12 minutes, the batteries in the ferries will be charged with at least 80 per cent of the energy needed for a crossing. The refit includes:
• Installation of advanced 5 MWh battery systems on each ferry
• Charging facilities for the ferries on board and at the Puttgarden and Rødby ferry berths
• Renewable electricity as primary energy source during crossings
Scandlines has signed a contract with Western Shiprepair in Lithuania for the conversion. The conversion of the first ferry will start at the end of August and of the second ferry in December. The work is expected to be completed in early 2026.
A step towards direct emissions-free shipping
This initiative is an important milestone towards the goal of operating the Puttgarden-Rødby route without direct emissions by 2030. It is also part of Scandlines' overall ambition to become a direct emission-free company by 2040, in line with the Paris Agreement climate goals.
Support for the green transition
The German Ministry of Transport has awarded the project financial support as part of a funding programme, aimed at promoting the Sustainable Modernisation of coastal vesselsto reduce emissions. The programme covers up to 40 percent of the conversion expenses.
Long-term efforts
Between 2013 and 2024, Scandlines has invested EUR 380 million in technologies to reduce emissions such as new hybrid ferries for the Rostock-Gedser route, rotor sails and new centre propeller blades for the Rostock-Gedser ferries, new highly efficient and low-noise thrusters for the Puttgarden-Rødby ferries and algae-repellent silicone paint, which saves energy compared to conventional types of bottom paint
With the electrification of the Fehmarn Belt ferries, Scandlines emphasises its role as protector of the Baltic region.
"We are delighted to have signed a contract with Western Shiprepair, one of BLRT Repair Yards, which has been awarded the conversion project after an extensive and lengthy tender process. By electrifying two of our Fehmarn Belt ferries, we are moving much closer to our goal of making the route direct emission-free by 2030. This is what our customers want, and it will significantly strengthen our competitiveness. The combination of our unparalleled reliability, continued investment in our sustainability initiatives as well as the tailored traffic machine and excellent retail offerings, forms a competitive foundation for our business," says Scandlines COO Michael Guldmann Petersen.
Ingrida Streckiene, Director of Western Shiprepair | BLRT Repair Yards, comments: "We are honoured to continue our long-standing partnership with Scandlines through this milestone project that supports the green transition in maritime transport. Over the years, we've built a strong foundation of trust and collaboration, successfully delivering complex repair and conversion projects together. The conversion of two ferries operating on the Fehmarn Belt into plug-in hybrids is a significant step forward, not just for Scandlines' ambitious sustainability goals, but for the entire ferry industry. At Western Shiprepair | BLRT Repair Yards, we are proud to contribute our technical expertise, proven track record, and production capacities to make this vision a reality. Our collaboration with Scandlines is a meaningful contribution to the ongoing decarbonisation of European ferry routes."
Data on Scandlines' electrification project:
Electrification of two of the four passenger ferries operating the Puttgarden-Rødby route
Service speed: 18.5 knots
On-board energy storage system: 5 MWh on both ferries
Charging in port (Puttgarden and Rødby): 12 minutes
Investment: EUR 31 million
About Scandlines
Scandlines is a modern and innovative ferry operator with a green vision for the future. We have a proud culture based on strong German-Danish cooperation and maritime history dating back to 1872.
Scandlines operates two ferry routes with high capacity and frequency. Six of our ferries are hybrid ferries, and two are furthermore fitted with an innovative rotor sail - and that contributes to making our ferries ready for a more sustainable future.
Our core business is to provide an efficient and reliable transport service for both passengers and freight customers. The focus for all our activities - on board the ferries as well as in our BorderShops - is to give our customers a great experience.
With 37,500 departures on seven ferries, Scandlines in 2024 transported close to 6.4 million passengers, over 1.6 million cars and 700,000 freight units on the routes Puttgarden-Rødby and Rostock-Gedser. Read more about Scandlines at www.scandlines.com.
About BLRT Repair Yards
BLRT Repair Yards is a group of ship repair facilities located in the Baltic States (Western Shiprepair in Lithuania and Tallinn Shipyard in Estonia) and Northern Europe (Turku Repair Yard in Finland), owned by BLRT Grupp - the largest industrial holding in the region of the Baltic Sea, boasting a rich history and significant industrial heritage.
The group is dedicated to maintaining the seaworthiness and efficiency of the global fleet by delivering comprehensive ship repair, modernization, and conversion services, along with sustainable solutions that support regulatory compliance and decarbonization efforts. BLRT Grupp manages a highly diversified portfolio of industrial operations. In addition to shipbuilding and ship repair, the holding is active in producing high-technology equipment and sophisticated metal structures, rolled metal products and metalworking services, mechanical engineering, gas production and distribution, transportation, port services, and real estate development.
BLRT Grupp continuously invests in the equipment and infrastructure of its ship repair yards to enhance their capabilities and competitiveness. The focus is on adopting innovative technologies and forward-looking solutions that address the evolving demands of the maritime industry, particularly those aimed at advancing sustainability and operational efficiency. Read more about BLRT Repair Yards at www.blrtyards.com
Scandlines press release
