Scandlines, which connects Rødby with Puttgarden and Gedser with Rostock, navigated steadily through 2024. The company maintained both passengers and revenue in a year marked by economic uncertainty.
Revenue amounted to approximately 3.46 billion DKK (465 million euros). The result before tax rose to about 930 million DKK (125 million euros). 6.4 million passengers travelled with Scandlines during the year. In the peak season from June to August, a new record was set with 2.7 million passengers.
It was especially the Rødby-Puttgarden route that was the main draw. Scandlines operated up to 96 daily departures in the peak season - counted as both outbound and return trips. There was a departure approximately every half hour around the clock with up to four ferries in operation. The crossing takes 45 minutes. Scandlines operates its own facilities in Rødbyhavn.
Green ferry on the way to Rødby
The company invested approximately 310 million DKK (42 million euros) last year. A large part went to preparing Rødbyhavn for the new freight ferry, which is expected to be deployed in 2025. The ferry will be the world's largest battery-powered freight ferry and can transport up to 66 trucks and 140 passengers across the Fehmarn Belt on electricity alone.
Two of the existing hybrid ferries on the same route are simultaneously being prepared for plug-in operation, where the majority of the energy for the crossing will come from batteries charged in the harbour.
Better customer experience and digitalisation
In 2024, Scandlines introduced a new dynamic ticketing system with lower prices for passengers who book well in advance or travel outside peak hours. Number plate recognition and a new app were also introduced, making it easier to check in.
Outlook for 2025
The company expects a moderate increase in freight and passenger traffic in 2025. The new freight ferry is set to increase capacity on the Rødby-Puttgarden route. At the same time, Scandlines continues to prepare for competition from the upcoming fixed Fehmarn connection.
Scandlines aims to achieve full emission-free operation on the route between Rødby and Puttgarden by 2030 and for the entire group by 2040.
Ownership structure
Scandlines is registered in Denmark but owned by foreign investors.
The main shareholder is Igneo Infrastructure Partners, which controls 50.1 percent. Igneo invests in infrastructure across energy, transport, and utilities. The company is owned by Japanese MUFG and is headquartered in London. The other owners are 3i Group (35 percent) and Federated Hermes (14.9 percent).
In 2024, Scandlines paid out approximately 485 million DKK (65 million euros) in dividends to the owners.
