Ferry company Scandlines says it is taking another important step in its long-term strategy to protect the Baltic region and the Fehmarn Belt, which the ferries cross daily, with a €31m-plus investment in converting two of the ferries operating the Puttgarden-Rødby route to plug-in hybrid operation.
The aim is to reduce CO₂e emissions by up to 80% and promote ferry operations based on power from renewable energy sources.
Scandlines’ COO Michael Guldmann Petersen said: “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.”
On average, in 12 minutes, the batteries in the ferries will be charged with at least 80% 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 2025 and of the second ferry in the following December. The work is expected to be completed in early 2026.
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. 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 vessels to reduce emissions. The programme covers up to 40% of the conversion expenses.
Between 2013 and 2024, Scandlines invested €380m 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 efficient low-noise thrusters for the Puttgarden-Rødby ferries and algae-repellent silicone paint, which saves energy compared to conventional types of bottom paint.
Petersen said: “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.”
Ingrida Streckienė, Director, Western Shiprepair, BLRT Repair Yards, added: “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.”
Two of the four passenger ferries operating the Puttgarden-Rødby route will be converted. The hybrid ferries will operate at a service speed of 18.5 knots using the 5MW onboard energy storage system, which will be charged in the ports of Puttgarden and Rødby in around 12 minutes.
Image: Scandlines’ ferry ‘Deutschland’ (credit: Scandlines/Vivien Baens)
