A new chapter for Samsølinjen as fully electric ferry enters service

A beautiful summer Monday became even more memorable as the brand-new electric ferry, Nerthus, made her maiden voyage on the Samsølinjen route between Ballen on the island of Samsø and Kalundborg on the island of Zealand.

Just weeks after arriving from the Cemre Shipyard in Turkey, Nerthus is now in full operation, marking a significant milestone in the transition to more sustainable maritime transport.

A milestone in green transition

The ferry will operate on the route between Kalundborg and Ballen, a service run by Molslinjen under contract with the Danish Ministry of Transport.

“This vessel represents a major step forward in our green transition strategy. At the same time, it is a significant upgrade to a route that brings thousands of tourists to the summer island of Samsø each year,” says Kristian Durhuus, CEO of Molslinjen.

High-capacity charging and energy efficiency

Nerthus charges in both ports with a capacity of 8.4 MW, allowing the sleek double-ended vessel to complete the 80-minute crossing with up to 188 car units and 600 passengers on board. 

The introduction of the electric ferry is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 6,000 tonnes annually on the Samsø route.

 “We have worked intensively on the vessel’s design to achieve the most efficient hull possible maximizing the return on every kilowatt of energy. In that regard, this ferry sets a new standard in Denmark,” says Kristian Durhuus.

Sister Vessel Underway

Construction is already underway on her sister vessel, Tyrfing, at the Cemre Shipyard in Turkey. Tyrfing is expected to join the fleet in Denmark in the autumn of 2025.