By
Laura Hyde |
Danish ferry operator Scandlines is to convert two of its Fehmarn Belt ferries to plug-in hybrid vessels. It is hoped the conversion, which is an investment of over €31 million ($35.3 million), will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80 per cent on the Puttgarden-Rødby route in the Baltic Sea.
The project, which will be carried out by Western Shiprepair in Lithuania, includes the installation of five-megawatt battery systems and charging facilities on each ferry. Charging facilities will also be installed at the Puttgarden and Rødby ferry berths where the onboard batteries will charge with at least 80 per cent of the energy required for a crossing in an average of 12 minutes.
“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,” said Ingrida Streckienė, director of Western Shiprepair, which is owned by Estonian shipbuilding company BLRT Grupp. “We are proud to contribute our technical expertise, proven track record, and production capacities to make this vision a reality.”
Financial support for the project will be covered by the German Ministry of Transport’s Sustainable Modernisation (Sondervermögen für Infrastruktur) programme, which will supply up to 40 per cent of the conversion expenses.
The first conversion will begin in August 2025 and the second in December, with the project set for completion in early 2026.
“We are delighted to have signed a contract with Western Shiprepair, which has been awarded the conversion project after an extensive and lengthy tender process,” said Michael Guldmann Petersen, chief operations officer at Scandlines, which is aiming to be a direct emission-free company by 2040. “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.”