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. With that, we added environmentally friendly wind power technology to the list of green initiatives. With the rotor sail from Finnish Norsepower, we can further reduce CO2 emission from the hybrid ferries.
The rotor sail is based on the almost 100-year old concept of the Flettner rotor technology. It is a 30 metre tall, rotating cylinder, which by using the Magnus-effect contributes to pushing the ship forward. When the wind meets the spinning cylinder, the airflow accelerates on one side of the cylinder and decelerates on the opposite side of the cylinder. The change in the speed of airflow results in a pressure difference, which creates a lift force that pushes the ship forward perpendicularly to the wind flow direction.
A rotor sail has the optimum effect when it is windy and the wind comes from the side. The route between Gedser to the north and Rostock to the south is almost perpendicular to the prevailing wind from the west or the east. This gives us favourable conditions for using rotor sails on the crossing.
With assistance of the rotor sail we reduce the CO2 emission by four to five percent.
Read more about our green agenda
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![UN SDG Icons Collected DK]()
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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Green ferry operation
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.
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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.
