New Scandlines ferry THE BALTIC WHALE on its way to the Fehmarnbelt
The Scandlines shipping company is taking a major step towards emission-free shipping by launching its new Ferries on the route between Rødbyhavn(Denmark) and Puttgarden(Germany).
What is behind the Scandlines project?
The new double-ended RoPax ferry named THE BALTIC WHALE (previously “FUTURA”) was built at the Cemre Shipyard in Turkey and left the yard on October 3 for its ferry voyage to the Ferries.
- Key technical data at a glance
- Gross tonnage (GT): around 14,021.
- Length: 147.4 m.
- Vehicle loading meters: approx. 1,200 lane-metres (equivalent to around 66 trucks or trailers).
- Passenger capacity: 140 people/rider.
- Battery system: 10 MWh capacity; intended for all-electric operation.
- Loading time: In Rødbyhavn in approx. 17 minutes; from 2025 in Puttgarden in approx. 12 minutes.
- Planned crossing time: 45 minutes with all-electric operation.
- IMO number: 9966685
- Ship type: Ro-Ro ship (passenger and Ro-Ro cargo ship)
- Year of construction: 2025
- Flag: Denmark
Why this new building is important for Scandlines
With THE BALTIC WHALE, Scandlines is pursuing the goal of operating the Ferries Rødby – Puttgarden emission-free.
The modern technology – especially the large battery system – significantly reduces the environmental impact.
The new construction replaces older freight ferries and creates more capacity for trucks on the route.
At the same time, the infrastructure in the ports is being modernized: Loading facilities, transformers and special cables have been installed.
Outlook
Now that the Ferries has left the shipyard in Turkey, it will be transferred to Northern Europe. There she will be prepared for regular service over the coming months. In the meantime, the loading and port facilities will be completed in the ports of Rødbyhavn and Puttgarden to ensure a smooth launch.
If everything goes according to plan, THE BALTIC WHALE is expected to be in regular service on the route between Rødby and Puttgarden from the beginning of 2026. So you can expect one of the most modern and environmentally friendly Ferries in Europe to be sailing on this important route in the future.
Conclusion
The new Ferries marks a milestone: high capacity, state-of-the-art electric technology and a clear commitment to sustainability. As a user of the route or simply as an interested party, you can look forward to seeing how the change will affect comfort, the environment and efficiency.
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