Baltic ferry operator Scandlines is co-operating with propulsion systems manufacturer, Caterpillar to study the conversion of its Rostock/Gedser ropaxes to burn e-methanol.
Scandlines said that it is committed to run ferry operations with zero direct emissions by 2040.
In order to meet this goal, the company already combines three technologies on the Rostock/Gedser route – traditional diesel operation, battery operation and wind power.
Scandlines is now studying the possibility of converting the current MaK diesel main engines of the Rostock/Gedser hybrid ferries to run on e-methanol.
The use of e-methanol, which is produced from renewable energy sources, can reduce CO2 emissions by 95% under ideal circumstances.
Caterpillar will provide a test engine in its workshop next year. If Scandlines concludes that the test engine meets expectations and fulfils the conditions, the first Scandlines diesel engine could be converted in 2027.
Caterpillar, as a major manufacturer of construction equipment, industrial diesel engines and gas turbines, said it saw green methanol, produced from renewable energy sources, as a promising alternative to conventional fuels.
