Scandlines’ hybrid ferry electrification project wins innovation award in Germany

Danish ferry operator Scandlines has received an innovation award from the German Transport Research Association (DVWG) for its upcoming project to convert two ferries on the Fehmarn Belt to plug-in hybrid vessels.

Scandlines accepted the German award in Frankfurt on November 5, 2024.

“Congratulations to ferry operator Scandlines on this award! It emphasises the company’s innovative performance, pioneering spirit and courage on its way to climate-friendly ferry operations. The ferries between Germany and Denmark are setting a global standard on the path to decarbonisation of ocean-going vessels and ferries in particular. We are proud to stand alongside Scandlines as a cooperation partner on their way to zero direct emissions operations,” Jörg-Andreas Krüger, President of the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU), said.

Over the recent years, the company has been upgrading its fleet to reduce CO2 emissions. Specifically, six of its ferries are hybrid ferries and two are fitted with a rotor sail. This is said to be in line with Scandlines’ aim to operate its ferries without direct emissions by 2040.

Earlier this year, the company took the next big step on its green journey and decided to electrify two of its four hybrid ferries on the Puttgarden-Rødby route, so that 80% of the energy required for a crossing will be derived from batteries that are charged with electricity in the ports via a high-performance charging system in 12 minutes.

The planned conversion of ships Deutschland and Schleswig-Holstein into plug-in hybrid ferries reportedly “impressed the jury”. The charging stations in Puttgarden, Germany, and Rødby, Denmark, with their high output were rated as “particularly innovative”, according to the company.

As informed, the conversion of the ferries will begin in 2025. The German Ministry of Transport has awarded the project financial support as part of a funding program covering sustainable modernization of coastal vessels to reduce emissions (NamKü).

“We are very proud and honoured that our project has been selected as the winner of the Innovation Award. This is a clear signal to our many colleagues and experts who are helping to make our fleet ever more sustainable with creative ideas and technical solutions: Their ideas are important and they deserve the award. Our goal is emission-free operation on the Puttgarden-Rødby route as early as 2030, and the project that has now been honoured is a major step towards achieving this goal,” Marko Möller, Head of Business Administration & Special Projects at Scandlines, commented.

By 2030, Scandlines aims to reduce the company’s total direct CO2 emissions by around 60% compared to 2008. The goal remains to cause no direct emissions within the company by 2040.

This year, almost 50 projects were submitted to DVWG. With the innovation award, the DVWG aims to recognize pioneering products and projects that have the potential to change the mobility landscape in the long term.