The Baltic Whale Enters Battery-Electric Freight Service On The Fehmarn Belt - CleanTechnica

Scandlines has introduced the Baltic Whale, a high-capacity battery-electric freight ferry, on the 18.5-kilometer Puttgarden–Rødby corridor across the Fehmarn Belt. The vessel began commercial service on March 10th, marking a significant advancement in zero-emission short-sea freight transport. Built over four years at Cemre Shipyard, the ferry features a 10 MWh lithium-ion battery system integrated with high-capacity shore power infrastructure at both ports, enabling rapid charging cycles of about 12 minutes. This fast shore charging supports a high-frequency turnaround model, allowing crossing times of approximately 45 minutes when charging at both terminals or about 60 minutes with single-port charging to optimize battery use and maintain schedule reliability. Designed specifically as a freight platform rather than a mixed passenger vessel, the Baltic Whale measures 147.4 meters in length and 25.4 meters in beam, with two cargo decks accommodating 66 freight units. Port upgrades at P