BLRT Repair Yards' Western Shiprepair will convert two ships serving the Puttgarden-Rødby service with 5.0MWh battery systems.
The €31 million project will also see both seaports fitted with charging facilities, with 12 minutes needed to charge the batteries up to at least 80% of the energy needed for the crossing.
The conversion of the first vessel will start in August 2025, while the other in December. The hybridisation is slated for completion in early 2026.
"We are delighted to have signed a contract with Western Shiprepair, one of BLRT Repair Yards, which has been awarded the conversion project after an extensive and lengthy tender process. By electrifying two of our Fehmarn Belt ferries, we are moving much closer to our goal of making the route direct emission-free by 2030 [Scandlines' overall ambition is to become a direct emission-free company by 2040]. This is what our customers want, and it will significantly strengthen our competitiveness," said Michael Guldmann Petersen, Scandlines' COO.
He also underlined, "It's about more than just technology - it's about responsibility. As a ferry company operating daily in one of the world's most sensitive waters, we have a special obligation to protect the marine environment we operate in."
"Between 2013 and 2024, Scandlines has invested €380 million in technologies to reduce emissions such as new hybrid ferries for the Rostock-Gedser route, rotor sails and new centre propeller blades for the Rostock-Gedser ferries, new highly efficient and low-noise thrusters for the Puttgarden-Rødby ferries and algae-repellent silicone paint, which saves energy compared to conventional types of bottom paint," his company highlighted in a press release.
Ingrida Streckienė, Director of Western Shiprepair | BLRT Repair Yards, also commented, "We are honoured to continue our long-standing partnership with Scandlines through this milestone project that supports the green transition in maritime transport. Over the years, we've built a strong foundation of trust and collaboration, successfully delivering complex repair and conversion projects together. The conversion of two ferries operating on the Fehmarn Belt into plug-in hybrids is a significant step forward, not just for Scandlines' ambitious sustainability goals, but for the entire ferry industry. At Western Shiprepair | BLRT Repair Yards, we are proud to contribute our technical expertise, proven track record, and production capacities to make this vision a reality. Our collaboration with Scandlines is a meaningful contribution to the ongoing decarbonisation of European ferry routes."
The German Ministry of Transport has awarded the project financial support that will cover up to 40% of the conversion expenses.
Photo: Vivian Baens/Scandlines