Stena Line to introduce fossil fuel-free ships before 2030

Ferry company Stena Line has said that it plans to start operating two fossil fuel-free, battery-powered vessels on the route between Gothenburg and Frederikshavn in Denmark no later than 2030.

The company has partnered with Volvo Group, Scania, and the Port of Gothenburg to develop the new vessels with the aim of cutting emissions at the port by 70 per cent by 2030.

Stena Elektra will be the world’s first fossil fuel-free Ro-Pax vessel of its size, measuring approximately 200 metres long and combining a passenger capacity of 1,000 with 3,000 lane metres freight capacity. The vessel will be built in high tensile steel to lower weight and increase efficiency.

It is estimated the vessel will run on battery power for approximately 50 nautical miles, the distance between Gothenburg and Frederikshavn. The battery capacity will need to be approximately 60 to 70 MWh and the vessel will be charged in port.

Stena Line said it is also looking into combining the electrification with other alternative fuels such as fuel cells, hydrogen, and biomethanol for longer reach of the vessels.