Cemre Shipyard has delivered NB1090 The Baltic Whale, the largest zero-emission RoPax vessel of its kind, to Danish operator Scandlines.
Designed by LMG Marin, and built under yard number NB1090, the double-ended ferry spans 147.40 m in length with a beam of 25.40 m. The vessel accommodates up to 140 passengers and 66 car-equivalent freight units (approximately 1,200 lane metres) across two vehicle decks. The Baltic Whale is classed by Lloyd’s Register.
Hybrid Power & Zero-Emission Capability
The Baltic Whale features a hybrid diesel/battery-electric propulsion system with an onboard battery capacity of approximately 10 MWh, making it the largest battery system currently installed on a RoPax ferry.
In pure electric mode, the vessel can cruise at 10 knots and complete its route in about one hour. In hybrid mode (diesel-assisted), it can achieve speeds of up to 16 knots, enabling a crossing in as little as 45 minutes.
Charging infrastructure has been implemented in both ports Rødby (Denmark) and Puttgarden (Germany). In Rødby, the ferry can fully charge in around 17 minutes via a 50 kV / 25 MW cable, while upgrades in Puttgarden allow for a 12-minute charging time.
The ferry is expected to operate with zero direct emissions on its normal crossing schedule under full electric mode for the one-hour route, while retaining hybrid capability for flexibility. Alongside its hybrid mode, the vessel is equipped with an SRtP (Safe Return to Port) system to ensure safe operation in urgent situations.
With maritime transport under increasing pressure to decarbonize, The Baltic Whale stands as a showcase project for battery ferry technology on short-sea routes. Its modular design also enables future upgrades, such as conversion to a methanol internal combustion engine, further supporting Scandlines’ long-term sustainability goals.
