Ferry operators target methanol and electric in quest for zero 

Ferry operators and industry insiders highlighted how they aim to meet net-zero requirements at the annual Interferry conference in Morrocco in October last year. 

In the regulatory update and panel, DFDS chief executive Torben Carlsen said there are three elements for his company: to slow down, make ferries as efficient as possible and order new vessels. 

He expands, “We will use battery ferries on shorter routes - electric wins in terms of efficiency for two to three hours. For ropax we would use methanol, and for freight ferries probably ammonia would be the winning fuel.” 

In the Ferry Sustainable Panel, DFDS opened up further on its plans. DFDS has more than 70 ferries and 28 ferry routes to consider, ranging from very short routes to those taking three to four days. 

DFDS director, head of sustainable fleet projects Jesper Aagesen explains, “Our goal for 2030 is for the ferry business to reduce carbon intensity by 45% compared with 2008.”

The ferry operator has reduced its carbon intensity by more than 30% by increasing sailing time, thereby reducing speed and emissions and employing technical initiatives. Mr Aagesen explains, “These are low-hanging fruits, and we need to take next steps for the last 15% reduction. Our ambition is by 2030 to have six green ferries on water.” 

This initiative is known as ‘2+2+2’.

Mr Aagesen expands on how this could look: two could be methanol-fuelled ropax vessels combined with batteries. For the shorter routes on the Channel we aim for 100% electric as this is where electric is the best way to use energy.”

He says the company aims to begin with two ferries on the Channel and for the entire Channel fleet to be fully electrified by the 2030s.

He adds, “We are looking into ammonia. In the short term this is not suitable for passenger ships, but we firmly believe this is a solution for cargo vessels, with around 20 running on ammonia.”

Mr Aagesen says, “One of the biggest challenges is the availability of all these green fuels. There are a lot of projects talked about out there… electricity is very much needed to produce green fuels.”

He highlights there is a lot of work to be done when it comes to shore power installations for full-electric ferries. “We collaborate with ports to make this happen as handling electricity and green fuels means we need to do things in a new way. We need to get started as soon as possible.” 

Thought also needs to be given to equipment suppliers, and when new engines are commercially available. “People living near the ports will have an opinion, and we need to take that into account. Training crew and shore personnel also needs to be planned.” 

Mr Aagesen sums up, “There are a lot of challenges, but I believe we have a clear pathway as to how reach 2030 targets.”