By
Alex Smith |
Ferry operator Stena Line, the Port of Frederikshavn and Frederikshavn Municipality have signed an agreement committing to deploying two battery-powered Stena Elektra ferries on the route between Gothenburg, Sweden, and Frederikshavn, Denmark.
The ferries will be the world’s first fossil fuel-free ro-pax vessels of their size, at around 200 metres long and with a capacity for 1,000 passengers and 3,000 lane metres.
"Our ambition is to lead the development towards fossil fuel free shipping and sustainable transport at sea,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO of Stena Line. “That is why we are investing in new technologies and various alternative fuels. We are already 10 years ahead of the international shipping industry's target for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, but with Stena Elektra we are taking another big step on Stena Line's sustainable journey, on the road to a completely fossil fuel-free operation.”
For its part of the agreement, the Port of Frederikshavn has committed to securing the necessary infrastructure in the port and its surroundings in Denmark.
"The Port of Frederikshavn shares the high and green ambitions that make this project possible,” said Mikkel Seedorff Sørensen, port CEO. “The city has also shown that it has a unique capacity for change in its DNA, which is evident not least in its sustainability work. When we are now taking steps towards making the Gothenburg-Frederikshavn line completely independent of fossil fuels is not only positive for us, but also for the entire Kattegat region."
Stena Line has already deployed battery-hybrid powered Stena Jutlandica on the Gothenburg-Frederikhavn route. This has resulted in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 1,500 tonnes per year.
"Stena Elektra is a fantastic project for Frederikshavn,” said Birgit Hansen, chairman of the municipal council of Frederikshavn Municipality. “We know from experience that when the municipality leads the way, the business community as well as private individuals follow in our green footsteps. Our town and Stena Line have had a close relationship for a long time, but this ambitious agreement is not only important for us - it also has ripple effects throughout Denmark."