EMEA News
EU Pays €2.3M Toward Scandlines Eco-Upgrades
The European Union (EU) will provide ferry operator Scandlines with €2.3 million ($3.1 million) for emissions-reducing technology, the company says.
The company will use the funding for hybrid propulsion systems and scrubbers on the M/V Deutschland and the M/V Prins Richard, which operate on the Puttgarden-Rødby route.
The diesel-electric hybrid propulsion systems allow a ship's diesel engine to operated consistently at an optimal load, with excess energy stored in batteries and used when needed.
The system can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 15 percent.
The funds will also help upgrade and expand the port of Rødby's waste water facility to treat scrubber sludge waste.
"The hybrid propulsion system on the route Puttgarden-Rødby is a key element of our strategy for more sustainable ferry traffic," said CEO Søren Poulsgaard Jensen.
"Through the hybrid propulsion system, Scandlines has gained fundamental knowledge of the use of batteries in ferry operations and has now plans available to take the next step: The intention is that the first ferry on the route Helsingør-Helsingborg can be operated on battery power alone within a couple of years provided that there is an agreement with the municipalities."
The funding comes on top of more than €6.4 million ($8.8 million) that the EU already provided in financing for Scandlines ship conversion projects.
