The last of Scandlines’ four hybrid ferries operating between Puttgarden (Germany) and Rødby (Denmark), the double-ended ferry ‘Prinsesse Benedikte’ recently had four new thrusters installed.
These new thrusters were claimed to be far more efficient and thus energy-saving than the previous push thrusters.
As a result of the retrofit, Scandlines completed a €13 mill upgrade on the Fehmarn ferries, which significantly reduced their environmental impact.
The hybrid ferry’s propulsion system consists of four thrusters – fitted at each corner of the vessel. Each thruster can rotate around its vertical axis and thereby function as a rudder.
Each thruster ensures a more homogeneous flow through the water, resulting in less noise and vibration and provide better conditions for marine life in the Fehmarnbelt, including the harbour porpoises.
In addition, the more homogeneous water flow ultimately reduces emissions, including CO2.
Together with the new thrusters, head boxes were installed, which slightly changes the ship’s hull around the thruster to further optimise the water flow to the propeller.
A total of 16 thrusters were replaced on the four hybrid ferries operating on the Fehmarnbelt crossing.
“With the completed project, we have reduced CO2 emissions from the hybrid ferries by up to 15% and thus taken an important step towards zero emission ferries on the Puttgarden/Rødby route. We are very pleased that this can be combined with less impact on the marine environment in the Fehmarnbelt,” said Michael Guldmann Petersen, Scandlines COO (pictured).
The 16 new thrusters, as well as a new thruster control system for each vessel’s bridge, were delivered by Kongsberg Maritime.
In parallel with the replacement of the thrusters, Scandlines’ simulator in Puttgarden was also upgraded to enable the crew to be optimally prepared for the new propulsion system.
In 2013, the ferry company invested in hybrid vessels with battery banks, and in 2024 the first zero direct emission ferry will be operating on the Puttgarden/Rødby route. In 2030, the entire route will be emission-free, the company claimed.
