New electric ferry “The Baltic Whale”: Scandlines launches low-emission future on the Puttgarden-Rødby route
One of the world’s largest battery-powered Ferries is now in service between Germany and Denmark. With the new freight ferry “The Baltic Whale”, Scandlines is taking an important step towards climate-friendly shipping and at the same time strengthening transport capacities on the busy route across the Fehmarnbelt.
New electric ferry starts on the Vogelfluglinie
Scandlines has officially put its new cargo ferry “The Baltic Whale” into service on the Vogelfluglinie between Rødby in Denmark and Puttgarden on Fehmarn. The first regular crossing departed from Denmark to Germany at 08:05 in the morning.
On board the maiden voyage were not only the crew but also representatives of the shipping company and freight customers who were able to experience this special first voyage.
The new Ferries is a central component of Scandlines’ long-term strategy. The company is pursuing the goal of operating the entire ferry service without direct emissions by 2040.
One of the largest battery ferries in the world
“The Baltic Whale” has one of the largest battery systems currently installed on a Ferries. The battery has a capacity of around 10 MWh and enables a crossing without direct emissions in normal operation.
The energy is charged in the ports. Thanks to modern charging infrastructure, this process only takes around 12 minutes – the same amount of time as the port stay between two trips.
An intelligent charging station automatically connects the boat to the power supply. This takes less than 15 seconds and works regardless of the water level or movement of the boat.
The new Ferries can also operate in hybrid mode. Diesel generators are installed on board for this purpose, which can step in if necessary.
Fast and efficient across the Fehmarnbelt
The Puttgarden – Rødby ferry connection is only 18.5 kilometers long. The Ferries takes around 45 minutes for a crossing, making it one of the most important connections between Scandinavia and Central Europe.
With the new Ferries, Scandlines is primarily strengthening its freight traffic. “The Baltic Whale” was specially developed as a freight ferry.
It offers space for 66 trucks or freight units, around 1,200 loading meters and up to 140 passengers.
This means that more freight can be shifted to the Ferries. At the same time, additional capacity for cars and passengers will be freed up on the other Ferries – especially in the peak season.
More capacity for freight traffic
With the commissioning of the new Ferries, Scandlines is increasing its freight capacity on the Rødby-Puttgarden route by around 27 percent.
One particular advantage is the ability to transport hazardous goods. These include, for example, industrial products, batteries, car parts or chemical goods.
For freight forwarders, this means more flexibility and more predictable transportation between Northern Europe and the rest of Europe.
Quieter and more environmentally friendly on the road
In addition to reducing CO₂ emissions, the new technology also ensures significantly less noise above and below water.
This is not only pleasant for passengers, but also for the wildlife of the Baltic Sea. The harbor porpoise in particular, which lives in this region, benefits from the reduced noise pollution. The Ferries were also named after this animal.
The first Ferries of the “Baltic Whale” show that even heavily frequented routes can already be operated with low emissions.
Technical data of “The Baltic Whale”
- Length: 147.4 meters
- Width: 25.4 meters
- Draught: 5.30 meters
- Crossing time: approx. 45 minutes
- Speed: 16 knots
- Capacity: 66 trucks / 1,200 loading meters
- Maximum number of passengers: 140
- Battery system: 10 MWh
- Loading time in port: 12 to 18 minutes
- Project investment: around 84 million euros
