The ferry operator Scandlines has christened its new battery-powered cargo ferry “The Baltic Whale”. It is due to start operating on the Puttgarden-Rødby route shortly. According to Scandlines, the ferry is one of the largest battery-powered ferries in the world.
With this ferry, the shipping company says it is taking “a significant step towards greater sustainability on the route and at the same time increasing capacity and operational safety for freight and passenger customers”.
In regular operation, the ferry can complete the crossing without direct emissions. According to Scandlines, it is also characterized by lower noise emissions above and below water. Following a stay at the shipyard, test runs and the christening ceremony, she is now in the final preparatory phase before entering service.
Transport capacity 27% higher
“The Baltic Whale” was designed as a pure cargo ferry and offers space for a total of 66 trucks on both decks as well as the option of transporting hazardous goods such as industrial products and batteries in an efficient and plannable manner. According to the shipping company, this means that more freight can be shifted to this ferry, which creates additional capacity for cars and passengers on the other Scandlines ferries – especially during the peak season. With the deployment of the new ferry, Scandlines is increasing its transport capacity for freight units on the Rødby-Puttgarden route by 27%.
“For our freight customers, ‘The Baltic Whale’ primarily means both more flexibility and better framework conditions. With dedicated capacity for dangerous goods, efficient handling and high operational safety, our customers can bundle different cargo types in one solution and thus realize a simpler, more predictable and more competitive transport across the Fehmarnbelt – and thus create an even better freight connection between the North and the rest of Europe,” says Peter Leschly, SVP, Head of B2B at Scandlines.
“The Baltic Whale” takes around 45 minutes to complete the 18.5 km crossing. Thanks to Scandlines’ new charging infrastructure, the charging time in each port is around 12 minutes. The ferry is also equipped with diesel generators that can be used if necessary.
Built in Turkey
The first steel plates for the new Scandlines ferry were cut to size at the Turkish shipyard Cemre in April 2022. The keel was laid in August 2022 and a year later, in November, the new cargo ferry was launched at the Cemre shipyard. Construction of “The Baltic Whale” was completed at the Cemre shipyard in October 2025 and she was transferred to her home port in Rødbyhavn. Following final work, the ferry has now been christened and will soon be entering service on the Fehmarn Belt.
Technical details of “The Baltic Whale”
- Length: 147.4 m
- Width: 25.4 m
- Construction draught: 5.30 m
- Loading capacity: 66 cargo units (1,200 loading meters)
- Maximum number of passengers: 140
- Service speed: 16/10 knots
- Crossing time: 45 minutes
- Battery system: 10 MWh
- Charging in port: 12 to 18 minutes
- Project investment: € 84 million
