With the conversion of the third ferry to an exclusively battery-powered operating system, the Öresund line (Øresundslinjen) continues its ambition to create a completely green maritime corridor between Denmark and Sweden. The ferry Hamlet has just docked in Landskrona, where it is replacing its diesel engines with batteries.
When the unit leaves Oresund Drydocks in early December after a three-week docking, it will mark a historic milestone, as it will have switched from operating on fossil fuels to electricity, with sustainable energy from wind, water, and sun.
With three electric passenger ferries soon to be on the crossing between Helsingborg and Helsingør, Øresundslinjen can be considered a green maritime corridor with the largest number of vessels. This will further reduce the overall climate impact of the crossing.
Since 2018, the ferries Aurora and Tycho Brahe have been sailing on battery operation across the strait, and, with a capacity of 6,400 kWh, the latter installed the world’s largest battery pack in the autumn of 2021.
“Through two dock stays, we have reinforced the decks that will house the battery pack and have prepared the numerous technical upgrades and cable laying. We can now complete the installation process of the 2,800 kWh in four battery containers on deck 6, as well as the ABB modules that ensure charging on both sides of the strait,” stated the CEO of Molslinjen, Kristian Durhuus.
The crossing between Helsingborg and Helsingør previously generated an annual emission of 37,800 tonnes of CO2. Since the first two conversions, from conventional diesel engine to battery operation in 2018, annual CO2 emissions have been reduced to 10,200 tonnes in 2024.
With the conversion of the Hamlet, the annual CO2 emissions on the crossing will be further reduced to 2,500 when battery operation is fully implemented. Therefore, the complete conversion of the three ships will eliminate 35,300 tonnes of CO2 per year.
“Wherever possible, we renovate and modernize existing vessels. Thus, by incorporating the latest technology, Tycho Brahe (1991), Aurora (1992), and Hamlet (1997) have extended their lifespan and will be able to sail sustainably and safely for many years,” said Durhuus.
The Swedish company Echandia is the one supplying the battery pack to Hamlet, the same company that delivered them to Molslinjen’s ferries on Alslinjen and Samsølinjen.
“We are proud to close the circle on the innovative sustainability project we started in 2018. A project that has required determination and significant investments, but which will also contribute to a better environment at sea and for the inhabitants of the Öresund region,” stated Durhuus.
Hamlet will be back in service on December 15, 2025.
