Scandlines Extends Cooperation with the Nature Conservation Association

The ferry company Scandlines and the Nature Conservation Association Germany (NABU) have agreed to continue their cooperation regarding the implementation of Scandlines’ Green Agenda. NABU advises the shipping company in achieving its goal of sustainable and emission-free shipping. NABU has been an important partner of Scandlines since 2014.

(Hamburg) “We are pleased that NABU will continue to advise us on our further steps towards an emission-free future. In planning and prioritizing the measures that Scandlines has been taking since 2013 to significantly reduce operational emissions, NABU provides important, independent support,” said Michael Guldmann Petersen, Chief Operating Officer of Scandlines.

A particularly noteworthy project that has emerged from the collaboration between the two parties is the retrofitting of 16 new thrusters (propulsion propellers) between 2019 and 2022, which will increase propulsion efficiency and reduce underwater noise. The reduction of underwater noise improves the living conditions of various marine animals, including porpoises. Currently, the cooperation primarily focuses on the construction of an emission-free ferry for the Puttgarden-Rødby route. The new ferry, which is set to be operational in 2024, is an important milestone on the path to future emission-free ferry operations. Furthermore, additional joint projects are currently being planned.

Activities Beyond Ferry Operations

The previous collaboration has inspired Scandlines to make the company’s activities more sustainable beyond ferry operations. Various internal processes have been critically examined. This has led, among other things, to adjustments in procurement. Here, we have changed the materials for tablecloths and other products and are working more closely with our suppliers to reduce the use of chemicals on board. Additionally, NABU supports us in transitioning to electric mobility on land. The measures to promote biodiversity in the port of Puttgarden, which include the sealing of areas, the establishment of nesting aids for bats and swifts, and the creation of a large flower meadow, have also been developed in collaboration with NABU.

Sönke Diesener, policy advisor for transport at NABU, assesses the cooperation and the progress Scandlines is making positively: “We are very pleased to continue our long-standing cooperation with Scandlines. The progress made, particularly in the area of environmentally friendly shipping operations, not only regarding climate protection and air quality but also in reducing underwater noise, clearly shows that Scandlines takes environmental protection seriously. We are happy to advise and accompany Scandlines on the path to decarbonization. Scandlines set ambitious goals early on and is fulfilling these commitments with good technical solutions that can serve as a model for others.”

Setting the Pace for Other Ferry Companies

Scandlines sees itself as a pioneer in the field of shipping with its Green Agenda. The technical solutions implemented so far are setting the pace for many other ferry companies in their realignment towards more climate-friendly shipping.

Photo: © Scandlines