Scandlines links up with Caterpillar to explore use of e-methanol on hybrid ferries

Pursuing the goal of zero direct emissions by 2040, Danish ferry operator Scandlines has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with engine manufacturer Caterpillar Motoren to investigate the use of e-methanol on MaK-powered ferries.

Under the MoU, Scandlines and Caterpillar intend to explore the possibilities of converting the current MaK M 32 C engines from diesel to e-methanol on the hybrid ferries servicing the Rostock-Gedser route.

The ferry operator combines three technologies on the Rostock-Gedser route, including traditional diesel, battery operation, and wind power, to reach emission-free operations and intends to utilize an additional technology and expand operations to e-methanol, which is projected to reduce CO2 emissions by 95% under ideal circumstances.

The new agreement will see Caterpillar provide a test engine in its workshop in 2025. If Scandlines concludes that the test engine meets the expectations and conditions, the first diesel engine could be converted in 2027.

Caterpillar revealed intentions to invest in methanol engine technology for the first time in 2022 and two years later joined forces with the Dutch Damen Shipyards Group, aiming to deploy the first set of field demonstrator methanol dual-fuel 3500E marine engines in 2026. The engines recently received approval in principle (AiP) from Norway’s classification society DNV.

Scandlines operates six hybrid ferries, two fitted with a rotor sail, and is anticipating the delivery of its fully electric ferry E/V Futura, built at Turkish Cemre shipyard, by the end of this year.

In 2025, the company will kick off the project to convert two ferries on the Fehmarn Belt to plug-in hybrid vessels, for which it recently received an innovation award from the German Transport Research Association (DVWG).