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Ferry operator Scandlines GmbH has announced that it will be introducing two new ferries in 2012 with propulsion systems that will be adapted to run on LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) as bunker fuel.

The new ferries are to be built by Volkswerft Stralsund and will offer a capacity for 460 cars or 90 trucks. They will be put into service on the Gedser – Rostock route, thereby doubling the company's capacity.

The two new ferries and the planned extension of harbour facilities represent an investment totalling EUR 230 million.

Commenting on the news, John Steen Mikkelsen, COO, said "We believe strongly in strengthening the axis between Copenhagen and Berlin – offering a more direct connection to Eastern and Central Europe that is attractive to our customers in terms of time, distance and fuel economy. Hence, we will do our outmost to develop the Gedser-Rostock route into a veritable traffic machine before the Fehmarn Belt bridge is completed. It is with great pleasure that our company – for the first time since 1997 – introduces new-built vessels on one of our routes."

The new vessels replace "Kronprins Frederik" and "Prins Joachim", both built in 1980.

The newbuildings will optimally utilize the dimensions in the harbour of Gedser. The hulls of the ferries are precisely adapted to the requirements of the passage, but also to the floor conditions in the ports and the open sea.

Scandlines said bunker consumption and emissions will be reduced 'as far as possible'. The propulsion system of the vessels will allow for adaptation to LNG as marine fuel.

Logistics on land is also a significant factor in the project. Disembarkation and embarkation is to last maximum 15 minutes despite doubling capacity. The plans include new ferry piers with ramps in Rostock and Gedser.