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DFDS reaffirms electric ferries plan

[ April 11, 2024   //   ]

DFDS has reaffirmed its commitment to deploy a fleet of battery electric vessels on the Channel at a meeting with UK Minister for Investment and Regulatory Reform, Lord Dominic Johnson. DFDS said its long-term goal is to have up to six battery-powered vessels operating on its routes on the Channel, with the first two in service by 2030.    

The Minister visited DFDS headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark to discuss decarbonisation of the shipping sector and the electrification of maritime traffic.  

DFDS says it will deploy two battery-powered vessels in the Eastern Channel by 2030. They would be part of a program to invest in six green vessels – two methanol, two ammonia-fuelled and two electric – and invest around DKK 7.3bn (£840 million) over the next six years. The long-term goal is to introduce up to six fully electric vessels on the channel, which would be the world’s largest electric ferries.     

DFDS says that the relatively short distance of the Channel routes from Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkerque makes them optimal for electric ferry transport

Lord Dominic Johnson said: “With its superb infrastructure, technological advances and proximity to Denmark, the UK is the partner of choice for green investments like this. DFDS’ commitment highlights the value of our trading relationship and the strategic importance of the English Channel shipping route. The UK Government remains steadfast in its aim to reach net zero by 2050 and the green transition of the cross-Channel shipping will create British and Danish jobs and strengthen both our economies.” 

The green transition would also need sufficient power supply on land and infrastructure to accommodate recharging facilities in ports. 

DFDS chief executive, Torben Carlsen added: “We have a shared ambition with the UK Government to decarbonise maritime traffic across the channel. The transition is not going to be easy. It requires significant investments in innovation, technology and infrastructure, and collaboration and partnerships between the public and private sectors. But I am confident that we will succeed. DFDS will invest in green vessels and cooperate with ports and governments on both sides of the channel to decarbonise cross channel transportation.”

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