Scandlines invests more than €25 million in Puttgarden–Rødby ferry

 Scandlines is converting the “Schleswig-Holstein” into a plug-in hybrid ferry while completely redesigning its passenger areas, combining lower-emission transport with a stronger focus on the journey experience

Scandlines is investing more than €25 million in a major upgrade of the “Schleswig-Holstein”, one of the ferries operating between Puttgarden in Germany and Rødby in Denmark.

The vessel is currently undergoing work at a shipyard in Klaipėda, Lithuania. The project combines a technical conversion with a complete renovation of the main passenger decks.

From hybrid to plug-in hybrid 

Following the conversion, the ferry will be able to cover most of its energy consumption using electricity charged on shore.

The investment forms part of Scandlines' longer-term ambition to operate without direct emissions by 2040. A second ferry on the Puttgarden–Rødby route is also due to be converted to plug-in hybrid operation.

Passenger experience becomes part of the investment 

The project goes beyond propulsion technology.

Passenger decks 5 and 6 will receive new restaurant, café and shopping areas, while a new outdoor space and playground will be created on the sun deck.

Digital ordering and changes to passenger flows are intended to reduce waiting times. Scandlines says the redesign has been informed by analysis of how passengers move through and use the vessel.

Ferry crossings as part of the travel experience 

The Puttgarden–Rødby route is particularly important for traffic between Germany, Denmark and the rest of Scandinavia. For the Benelux market, its relevance is more indirect, but the investment reflects a wider development in Nordic ferry travel.

Ferry operators are increasingly combining investments in lower-emission technology with improvements to the passenger experience. For road-based Nordic itineraries, the journey itself can therefore become a more visible part of the overall product.

The “Schleswig-Holstein” is expected to return to service towards the end of 2026.

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