Yachting Art Magazine

The shipping company Scandlines has launched a project to convert two of its ferries operating between Puttgarden and Rødby into rechargeable hybrid vessels. The initiative aims to significantly reduce emissions and is part of a broader plan to decarbonise maritime transport.

The conversion work has been entrusted to the Western Shiprepair shipyard in Lithuania. The first ferry is expected to enter dry dock at the end of August 2025, while the conversion of the second is scheduled for December of the same year. Delivery of the two converted vessels is planned for early 2026.

The project is receiving financial support from the German Ministry of Transport as part of a programme to promote the ecological modernisation of coastal vessels. This public aid covers up to 40% of the conversion costs. The total investment exceeds £31 million.

The ferries will be equipped with battery systems with a capacity of 5 MWh, powered by renewable electricity. The planned installations include charging facilities on board and at the terminals in Puttgarden and Rødby. According to Scandlines, the batteries will cover an average of 80% of the energy requirements for a crossing after 12 minutes of charging.

This move marks a step towards the shipping company's goal of operating the route with zero direct emissions by 2030. In the longer term, Scandlines aims to achieve zero direct emissions across all its operations by 2040.

In addition to the technical aspect, the company's management emphasises the environmental challenge and the carrier's responsibility for preserving the waters of the Fehmarn Belt.