Scandlines is modernizing the “Schleswig-Holstein” Ferry at a cost of more than 25 million euros
Scandlines has begun a comprehensive refit of the Ferry “Schleswig-Holstein.” On August 23, 2026, the ship left the Puttgarden–Rødby route and set course for a shipyard in Klaipėda, Lithuania. There, it will be converted into a plug-in hybrid ferry. At the same time, the shipping company is having nearly all areas important to passengers modernized.
A total of more than 25 million euros is being invested in the project. The Ferry is scheduled to return by the end of the year. A specific date for the resumption of regular service has not yet been set.
Plug-in hybrid powertrain for the “Schleswig-Holstein”
The “Schleswig-Holstein” has been equipped with a hybrid propulsion system since 2014. During its current stay at the shipyard, the system is now being upgraded once again. After the retrofit, the Ferry’s batteries will be able to be charged with shore power directly at the ports of Puttgarden and Rødby.
In total, Scandlines is converting two of the four passenger ferries on the Puttgarden–Rødby route to plug-in hybrids. Each ship will be equipped with a battery storage system with a capacity of 5 MWh. A port charging session is expected to take about twelve minutes on average and provide approximately 80 percent of the energy needed for a crossing.
This allows the ferry to cover most of its energy needs with electricity charged onshore beforehand. The internal combustion engine will remain on board for the time being as a backup and for added security. Scandlines is investing a total of approximately 31 million euros in the technical retrofit of the two Ferries.
New restaurants, shops, and lounge areas.
The ship’s stay in the shipyard will not be used solely for work on the propulsion system. The passenger areas on decks 5 and 6 will also be completely remodeled.
New restaurant, café, and shopping areas are planned. A new outdoor area with a playground is also being built on the sun deck. The restroom facilities will be expanded and upgraded with modern technology.
But it’s not just a matter of new furnishings. In some cases, walls will be removed, rooms opened up, and staircases relocated. This is intended to create more space and improve the flow through the passenger areas.
New dining concepts and digital ordering options are also intended to help reduce wait times during the approximately 45-minute crossing. Upon the Ferry’s return, travelers can thus expect a significantly revamped on-board experience.
Rendering of the new sun deck on the Scandlines Ferry Schleswig-Holstein.
Rendering of the new restaurant on the Scandlines Ferry “Schleswig-Holstein.”
Rendering of the new sun deck on the Scandlines Ferry Schleswig-Holstein.
There will be fewer departures between Puttgarden and Rødby for the time being.
Scandlines ferries operate year-round between Puttgarden on Fehmarn and Rødby on the Danish island of Lolland. The route will remain in service even while the “Schleswig-Holstein” is in dry dock.
The four other Ferries operating on this route will take over the service. According to the latest traffic information, they are currently running every 40 minutes. Normally, Scandlines offers more frequent service on the Fehmarn Belt.
If you plan to travel to Denmark or on to Sweden via Puttgarden in the coming months, you should therefore double-check the specific departure time before you begin your trip. The crossing itself still takes about 45 minutes.
The all-electric cargo ferry “The Baltic Whale” supports traffic on the route and provides additional capacity for cargo units. However, it cannot fully replace the missing passenger ferry.
Second Major Upgrade on the Fehmarn Belt
The “Schleswig-Holstein” was commissioned in 1997. The comprehensive technical and interior modernization is intended to significantly extend its service life.
Her sister ship, the “Deutschland,” was already being prepared in Klaipėda in the fall of 2025 for a similar refit. Afterward, both ships are scheduled to be deployed as plug-in hybrid ferries on the Vogelfluglinie route.
The modernization is part of Scandlines’ goal of operating the Puttgarden–Rødby route with zero direct emissions by 2030. The shipping company aims to achieve this goal for its entire ferry operation by 2040. The technical aspect of the current retrofit is supported by the Federal Ministry of Transport’s “Sustainable Modernization of Coastal Vessels” funding program.
The return is scheduled for late 2026.
Scandlines currently expects the “Schleswig-Holstein” to return from the shipyard at the end of 2026. The exact date when it will resume carrying passengers between Puttgarden and Rødby, as well as the date from which plug-in hybrid operations will begin, have not yet been confirmed.
Until then, the schedule for this route will remain limited. We therefore recommend checking the current departure times before traveling.
Book the Scandlines ferry from Puttgarden to Rodby
The Scandlines ferry “Schleswig-Holstein” is currently in the shipyard for a while. But you can still travel between Puttgarden and Rödby on the other Scandlines Ferries.
