Ferries Deutschland and Schleswig-Holstein to be converted to full electric operation
Scandlines double-ender Schleswig-Holstein seen leaving Puttgarden (Source: Scandlines)
Baltic ferry operator Scandlines is to convert its two 1997-built double-ender ferries Deutschland and Schleswig-Holstein to full electric operation by 2025. The contract to convert the two sister ships, which operate the Fehmarn Belt route between Puttgarden and Rødby, is expected to be placed in early 2024.
Scandlines told Ship&Offshore that they were still negotiating with a number of shipyards on the project but the contract will be placed early this year.
On average the 10 MWh batteries on each ferry will be charged in just twelve minutes with at least 80% of the energy needed for a single crossing. To make this possible, Scandlines is investing in the following:
- a large energy storage system fitted to each ferry,
- onboard charging facilities,
- solar panels fitted to both vessels.
The total cost of full electrifying the ferries is estimated at EUR 31 million, with 40% of the conversion cost being provided by Germany’s Ministry of Transport as part of its funding programme covering the sustainable modernisation of coastal vessels to reduce emissions.
Subject to the final delivery time of essential equipment, the two ferries will be converted from early 2024 through to 2025. This means that Scandlines is on target to meet its goal of making the Puttgarden-Rødby route emission free by 2030. The ferry operator’s goal of zero net emissions is expected by 2040.
