We already operate with hybrid ferries, which are much more eco-friendly than conventional ferries. However, our goal is ferry operation covered by pure battery power within a few years.
We constantly reduce our energy consumption
Our current focus is on reducing our ferries' energy consumption per crossing. We are investing in energy efficiency and operational adjustments that lead to energy savings.
Since the opening of the route connecting Puttgarden in Germany and Rødby in Denmark, Scandlines has improved its concept for traffic machines to perfection: two crossings per hour in each direction, 24 hours per day, and 365 days a year – that means more than 35,000 departures every year. For this reason, even small adjustments have a great impact.
The crossing of the 18.5 km route only takes 45 minutes, and disembarking and embarking is handled within 15 minutes. Therefore, the Beeline is the fastest and most efficient route from Scandinavia to the European continent – and very soon, it can become the most eco-friendly as well.
Collaboration with environmental organisation
For a number of years, we have cooperated with the German environmental organisation, NABU.
The collaboration has resulted in a continuous development of our green initiatives.
NABU advises Scandlines regarding measures to make business more eco-friendly. Apart from ship operation there are also activities in process in other fields e.g. land management in ports and electricity supply.
NABU also advises Scandlines regarding the transition to even more eco-friendly ferries, solely driven by battery power.
The goal for both parties is zero emission ferries within a few years.
Zero emission is only a few years away
The ferries' energy need is high, and the charging must be possible within the 15 minutes in the harbours.
The independent analysis institute DNV has confirmed that our project is feasible within a few years.
The project is in progress
We are in close dialogue with collaboration partners within the fields of supplying, storing and transportation of energy. Moreover, we are in good contact with politicians and other relevant stakeholders.
We expect that excess capacities from local wind energy suppliers can provide the major part of the requested energy.
We invest in energy efficiency and operational adjustments that lead to energy savings.
Read more about our green agenda
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A sustainable future
To broaden our Green Agenda, we have developed commitments across the entire organisation in support of five United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
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A fleet of hybrid ferries
The hybrid system on ferries is similar to that of hybrid cars, where petrol or diesel is combined with electricity.
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Noise-reducing thrusters
One of the steps towards our zero emission strategy is the exchange of all thrusters – the ships’ propulsion systems – on Scandlines’ four hybrid ferries on the route between Puttgarden in Germany and Rødby in Denmark.
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Powered by the wind
Since 2013, we have operated with environmentally friendly hybrid technology. In 2020, we installed a rotor sail on M/V Copenhagen and in 2022 on M/V Berlin respectively, which operate on our route between Rostock in Germany and Gedser in Denmark.
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Other green initiatives
We reduce food waste by serving individual portions made to order, putting smaller amounts of food on the buffet at the time and by having less dishes from which to choose.
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UN Global Compact
Scandlines has joined the UN Global Compact – a voluntary initiative for responsible companies.
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Zero emission freight ferry
Scandlines has ordered a new zero emission freight ferry for the Puttgarden-Rødby route. The ferry will be inserted in 2024 and will launch the next generation of ferries on the route.
