New thrusters help Scandlines to be green

The propulsion systems on the four hybrid ferries that serve the route between Puttgarden in Germany and Rødby in Denmark will be exchanged with new thrusters that allow a homogenous water flow, producing less noise and vibration, improving the conditions for marine life, and reducing emissions such as CO2.

“The new thrusters are an important element on our way towards zero emission and I am very pleased that this can be combined with less impact on the underwater life in Fehmarn Belt,” said Søren Poulsgaard Jensen, chief executive of Scandlines.

“The investment is a very clear signal from our investors that our zero emission strategy and our aim to become the green alternative to a possible tunnel has their full support.”

The work, expected to complete in 2020, will involve replacing each of the ship’s four thrusters with new ones delivered by Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine, together with a new automation and control system. The company is investing more than €13m and the effects of the retrofit will be monitored by the German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union.