The ferry operator Stena Line, the Municipality of Frederikshavn and the Port of Frederikshavn have signed a landmark agreement in which the parties undertake to shoulder their share of responsibility for making Gothenburg-Frederikshavn the world’s first fuel-free ferry line fossils, with two Stena Elektra powered ships launched by 2030.

Stena Line had previously launched the Tranzero initiative with the Volvo Group, Scania and the Port of Gothenburg. The goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the port of Gothenburg – the largest port in the Nordic region – by 70% by 2030. The agreement with the municipality and the port of Frederikshavn completes the chain.

“Our ambition is to drive development towards fossil fuel-free navigation and sustainable maritime transport. That is why we are investing in new technologies and various alternative fuels. We are already ten years ahead of the international shipping industry’s goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, but with Stena Elektra we are taking another big step in Stena Line’s sustainable journey on the path to a completely fossil fuel-free operation, ”said Stena Line CEO Niclas MÃ¥rtensson, who is also a member of the Swedish Government’s Commission for Electrification.

Stena Line aims to reduce its total carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 and the new Stena Elektra ferries play an important role in achieving this. However, it will take more than battery-powered vessels. Land-based infrastructure, such as sustainable charging facilities, must be developed in parallel. In the agreement signed today, the port of Frederikshavn undertakes to secure the necessary infrastructure in the port and its surroundings on the Danish side.

“The port of Frederikshavn shares the high and green ambitions that make this project possible. The city has also shown that it has a unique capacity for change in its DNA, which is evident especially in its sustainability work. When we now take steps to make the Gothenburg-Frederikshavn line completely independent from fossil fuels, this is not only positive for us, but for the entire Kattegat region, ”said Mikkel Seedorff Sørensen, CEO of the Port of Frederikshavn.

The ferries will be the world’s first fossil fuel-free Ro-Pax ships in their size class, measuring approximately 200m in length with a capacity of 3,000m of track and 1,000 passengers.

Stena Line took the first step in its battery journey in 2018 by investing in hybrid battery power. Stena Jutlandica, currently operated on the Gothenburg-Frederikhavn line. This has so far reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 1,500 tonnes per year.

The Municipality of Frederikshavn is also committed to helping to create a lasting connection between Sweden and Denmark with the two Stena Elektra vessels. “Stena Elektra is a fantastic project for Frederikshavn. We know from experience that when the municipality leads the way, businesses and individuals alike follow in our green footsteps. Our city and Stena Line have enjoyed a close relationship for a long time, but this ambitious agreement is not only important to us – it also has ripple effects throughout Denmark, ”said Birgit Hansen, President of the City Council (S ) of the Municipality of Frederikshavn. .

Facts about Stena Elektra:

• Two RoPax ferries without fossil fuel (ferries for cars and passengers)
• Itinerary: Frederikshavn – Gothenburg
• Commissioning of the line by 2030
• Battery powered with a capacity of approximately 60-70 MWh, charged at port
• Dockside infrastructure: need a high voltage shore power cable of around 30-40 MW
• Crossing time: 3 hours, with one hour calling / charging time
• Length: about 200
• Cargo and vehicle capacity: around 3,000 meters of track
• Passenger capacity: 1,000 to 1,500 passengers