From left to right: Managing Director of Scandlines Deutschland GmbH Heiko Kähler, President of the State Parliament Kristina Herbst, State Secretary Tobias von der Heide, CEO Scandlines Michael Guldmann Petersen, Ingo Gädechens MdB.
Photo: Marc Benkmann/Scandlines
Scandlines’ traditional New Year’s reception took place in Kiel in the presence of Schleswig-Holstein’s State Secretary for Transport, Tobias von der Heide.
Scandlines’ management highlighted the first fully battery-electric ferry and further plans for the electrification of the Puttgarden-Rødby route.
- The electric ferry Futura is set to commence operations in 2024, operating entirely on electricity.
- Initially, Futura will be charged with electricity only in Rødby, with plans to expand charging to Puttgarden by 2025.
- The next phase involves converting the other ferries on the Vogelfluglinie to 80% battery operation before transitioning to entirely electric operation with zero direct emissions by 2030, with two of the four ferries on the Puttgarden-Rødby route making the switch by 2025.
- Challenges related to fluctuating electricity prices in Germany are noted, with Scandlines hoping for support from German politics.
- Digital solutions are being implemented to enhance the customer experience during booking, at ports, and on board.
- While the freight segment experienced slight declines in 2023, Scandlines anticipates growth in the latter half of 2024.