Scandlines still has no competitors in bringing cars, goods and passengers from Lolland-Falster to Germany. But in the not-so-distant future lurks the possibility of crossing the Fehmarn Belt in ten minutes instead of three quarters of an hour. However, that prospect does not make the ferry company shake its hands:
– I can only say that we are going to adjust on all parameters. We know we can’t compete on time when the tunnel opens, so we have to compete on other things. We have several years to make ourselves attractive, and we are working purposefully on that, says Anette Ulstrup Svendsen, head of communications at Scandlines.
2023 was the best summer measured
The Corona years 2020 and 2021 are not worth remembering for anyone – and certainly not for players in the travel industry. 2022 caused energy and fuel prices to run amok, so there wasn’t much to laugh about being a ferry company there either. But then came 2023:
– In the high season of 2023, we have had the best summer, when we have carried the most holidaymakers on our two routes, in all the time we have calculated those numbers. We are naturally affected by the uncertainty in the immediate area with the geopolitical challenges, the war in Ukraine, the low Swedish currency, and stagnation in the German economy, which are important markets for our business. So not least seen in that light, we are beyond satisfied with the results we have achieved with our holiday customers, says Anette Ulstrup Svendsen.
Have invested massively
The shipping company will now use that tailwind to step extra hard on the pedals in the run up to the tunnel opening in 2029. It’s about positioning itself while there is time:
– Checking in and boarding must be easy, simple and smooth. And if it can be done with a greener conscience, as we are doing with our first emission-free ferry at Rødby-Puttgarden, then we are convinced that there is a sensible business for us. Otherwise, of course, we would not invest the many hundreds of millions that we have done, for example in new catering services, number plate recognition and a new emission-free ferry, states Anette Ustrup Svendsen.
Can retain 40 percent of the trucks
There is no lack of optimism. But Scandlines still has an eye for the Fehmarn tunnel to become a regular game changer:
– An impartial report estimates that we can retain around 40 percent of the trucks, but we believe that we can retain even more. But to make it clear: in any case, we believe that we can adapt so that we can still do good business, says Anette Ulstrup Svendsen.
The two P’s
For both trucks and cars, Scandlines’ weapons in the battle for the Fehmarn Belt will be the two P’s: Price and break:
– For the truck drivers, it gives them an opportunity to have a break on board. They can get something to eat and drink and have a shower, and then they can comply with their driving/rest time regulations, and then when they arrive at the port, they can pick up where they left off.
– For private individuals, it will also be to get the break and take advantage of the fact that they can combine things here. Instead of having to take a break at a German rest stop, they can do it on board. And we are also convinced that we will be able to offer a cheaper ticket than what the tunnel will cost, concludes Anette Ulstrup Svendsen.
