Denmark’s largest domestic ferry operator, Molslinjen, has launched a historic project for ferries in Denmark, to electrify ferry operations across the Kattegat, placing an order for two massive battery-powered catamarans—an initiative that positions the company at the forefront of sustainable maritime transportation.
Massive Investment in Electric Ferry Innovation
The ferries in Denmark, known as Molslinjen and owned by Nordic Ferry Infrastructure, has placed a multibillion-kroner order for two giant electric catamarans as part of an ambitious plan to reduce carbon emissions on its Kattegat route connecting Jutland and Zealand. A third ferry is also in the planning phase. These vessels are being constructed at Australian shipbuilder Incat’s facility in Tasmania—where several of Molslinjen’s existing high-speed ferries were also built. The total cost of the project, including necessary onshore infrastructure, is projected to reach approximately 3.5 billion Danish kroner (about $510 million USD).
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When complete, this will mark the world’s largest marine electrification effort to date. If all goes according to plan, passengers could soon be sailing quietly and more cleanly across the Kattegat.
Vessel Specifications and Increased Capacity
Each of the three upcoming catamarans will measure 129 meters in length and 30.5 meters in width, accommodating up to 1,483 passengers and transporting 500 vehicles. This represents an 11% increase in vehicle capacity compared to the Express 5, currently the world’s largest catamaran in terms of vehicle capacity, operated by Bornholmslinjen, another subsidiary under Molslinjen.
Overall, the new ferries in Denmark will boost passenger and vehicle capacity on the Kattegat route by over 25%, improving logistics and travel for both residents and commercial operators.
Powerful Battery Systems and Rapid Charging
The fully electric catamarans will be equipped with powerful 45,000 kWh battery systems, enabling top speeds exceeding 40 knots (about 74 km/h or 46 mph). These battery packs will be recharged in port using a high-capacity charging system delivering 15 kV AC and up to 55,000 kW of power, replenishing the vessels in just 30 minutes.
Each charging session delivers an average of 25,000 kWh—enough to power a typical electric vehicle for 150,000 kilometers (93,000 miles) on a single equivalent charge. The rapid turnaround is designed to keep the ferry routes efficient while eliminating the need for fossil fuels.
Denmark’s Push for a Green Maritime Sector
This electrification project aligns directly with Denmark’s broader national goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions and lead global environmental reform. The new ferries in Denmark is actively pursuing support from the Danish government’s green transition grants to help finance the ships and infrastructure, encouraged by the inclusion of ferry electrification in Denmark’s recent green tax reform policies.
Molslinjen stands among Denmark’s top five corporate emitters of CO₂, making the upcoming transformation particularly impactful. If fully executed with three electric vessels in operation, it is estimated the project could eliminate 132,000 tons of CO₂ emissions annually—significantly reducing the national carbon footprint.
Infrastructure Upgrades in Danish Ports
Significant onshore upgrades are also planned to support the new vessels. Both Aarhus and Sjællands Odde ports will be equipped with charging stations capable of handling the high energy demands of the new ferries. These installations are crucial to enable near-continuous operations with minimal layover time, ensuring the routes maintain their current frequency and reliability.
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Strategic Importance of the Kattegat Route
The Kattegat route is one of Denmark’s most traveled and logistically important ferry crossings, functioning as a “floating bridge” between Denmark’s main regions of Jutland and Zealand. Electrifying this corridor greatly enhances the country’s integrated transport system while contributing to sustainability goals.
About Molslinjen
Molslinjen is Denmark’s largest domestic ferry operator, with a fleet of 20 ships transporting more than 15 million passengers annually. It manages 10 ferry routes under well-known brands including Bornholmslinjen, Fanølinjen, Alslinjen, and Langelandslinjen. In addition to its maritime services, the ferries in Denmark also operates long-distance bus lines like Kombardo Expressen and Bornholm Expressen, connecting key cities in Denmark.
With over 1,800 employees and rapidly expanding green initiatives, the company is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable ferry transport not only in Denmark but also on an international scale. The electric ferry project is expected to be operational starting in late 2027 or early 2028.
