The ferry operator Scandlines is having the ferry “Schleswig-Holstein”, which operates on the Puttgarden–Rødby route, extensively refurbished. The cost of the work amounts to €25 million.
During its stay at the shipyard in Klaipėda, the vessel’s passenger areas will be completely refurbished. It will also be converted into a plug-in hybrid ferry, which will meet the majority of its energy requirements using shore power. The Puttgarden–Rødby route is to be served by the shipping company’s four other ferries whilst the work is underway.
“We have been working on this project for several years, and we have been very much looking forward to this day when we could finally send the ship to the shipyard,” says Lars Kyrø, Head of Passengers at Scandlines. Decks 5 and 6, where the passenger areas are located, will be fully refitted with new restaurant, café and shopping areas. In addition, a new outdoor area with a playground will be created on the sun deck. The toilet facilities will also be upgraded, including more toilets and modern technology.
“Today, the on-board experience is an even more important part of the journey. That is why we are investing in new, attractive lounge areas for our passengers in more modern and brighter surroundings with views and comfortable seating,” explains Kyrø. The refurbishments on decks 5 and 6 involve more than just replacing the interior. Walls are being removed, spaces opened up and staircases repositioned. All this with the aim of making the crossing the best part of the journey.
“We now know significantly more about our customers. By analysing behaviour, passenger flows and patterns of use, we have identified what creates the greatest added value for guests on board. The refurbishment translates these insights into concrete improvements to the customer experience,” Kyrø continues.
And it’s not just about design. The refurbishment is complemented by new catering concepts, digital ordering solutions and improved passenger flow, which minimise waiting times and are designed to further enhance the overall on-board experience.
German Ministry of Transport funds refurbishment
“We have a very efficient ferry service on this route, and although it has been many years since we commissioned the ‘Schleswig-Holstein’, it remains an extremely well-functioning vessel,” says Kyrø. “Measures such as these will not only enable us to strengthen our competitiveness but also significantly extend the vessel’s service life.”
In total, Scandlines will invest over €25 million in the refurbishment of the ‘Schleswig-Holstein’, which is expected to return from the shipyard towards the end of the year. The German Ministry of Transport is subsidising part of the cost of converting the vessel to a plug-in hybrid as part of the ‘Sustainable Modernisation of Coastal Vessels’ funding scheme.
The conversion is another important step towards Scandlines’ long-term goal of operating without direct emissions by 2040. The “Schleswig-Holstein” is just one of two vessels on the Puttgarden–Rødby route that are set to operate as plug-in hybrid ferries from this year and early next year respectively. In addition, Scandlines already commissioned a new cargo ferry on the Fehmarnbelt in March, “The Baltic Whale”, which can operate exclusively on shore power.
