DFDS innovates to operate greener European ferries

DFDS director of innovation leads and sustainable fleet projects Jakob Steffensen explains how one of Europe’s largest operators of roro and passenger/vehicle ferries is planning to cut emissions from future operations through these developments.

Speaking to Riviera Maritime Media’s Maritime at the Hybrid, Electric & Hydrogen Fuel Cells Conference 2023 in Bergen, Mr Steffensen said that digitalisation can be a unifying force for shipowners, engine and equipment manufacturers and system integrators.

“Digitalisation of the new generation of zero-emissions ships seems to be the key to unlocking the great opportunities,” he said.

Mr Steffensen said he believes digitalisation will enable vessel owners to achieve efficiency and cost savings immediately and, in the longer term, lower costs of alternative fuels to make them competitive when they become available.

DFDS is considering adding more electric power across its fleet of ships as well as using methanol as a low-carbon fuel, as incremental steps before the company turns to implementing ammonia power.

“The bulk of our ships, most likely, will be powered by ammonia,” Mr Steffensen said.

DFDS’ next generation of ships would likely hydrogen have fuel cells as these could have higher efficiency than internal combustion engines.