DFDS Charts a Electrified Future for the English Channel
The UK’s crossing to France is getting a high‑tech makeover. DFDS is planning a hefty €1 billion outlay to launch six battery‑powered ferries that will run the picturesque Dunkirk‑Dover and Calais‑Dover lanes, hauling both passengers and cargo.
By 2030, the first two electric boats will be sailing the waters; the remaining four are slated to get underway before 2035.
Why This Matters
- Short‑haul advantage – the Channel is a quick hop, so electric power works like a charm.
- Trade‑boost potential – 33 % of EU‑UK commerce now flows through these routes.
- Climate win – DFDS says this will slash emissions and help hit the target dates.
Statement from the Helm
CEO Torben Carlsen shares his excitement:
“We’re putting the brakes on carbon for this high‑traffic corridor. With a decent power‑car battery we can keep things quiet and green. The electrification of our fleet is a huge stepping‑stone toward a greener tomorrow for shipping.”
Collaboration in Action
On 15 March 2023, DFDS and the Ports of Dover, Boulogne‑Calais and Dunkirk signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly decarbonise maritime traffic across the Straits of Dover.
So as long as you’re dreaming about floating to the next country in a sleek, silent vessel, DFDS is working hard to make it a reality sooner than you might think.
Collaboration is the key to the transition to low-emission transport
DFDS Accelerates Green Shipping Revolution
DFDS is teaming up with top-tier experts in battery tech, ship design, and energy efficiency to craft a fleet of cutting‑edge electric vessels. Three of these power‑pioneers will proudly sail under the French flag, balancing safety, performance, and a zero‑impact production ethos.
Strategic Partnerships for a Cleaner Seascape
- Battery Gurus – Leverage the latest in lithium‑ion, solid‑state, and hybrid cells.
- Design Innovators – Ergonomic hull shapes that cut drag and boost range.
- Eco‑Efficient Engineers – Refine power consumption to the bare minimum.
By fusing these strengths, DFDS is not just dreaming about a greener future—it’s engineering it.
Securing the Power Grid & Infrastructure
Beyond design, DFDS collaborates hand‑in‑hand with national authorities, port operators, and energy providers. Their goal: a seamless web of charging stations and reliable electricity to keep the electric fleet humming.
“We’re all in this together,” says Torben Carlsen. “Without a solid on‑shore power supply and port‑side charging stations, green ships are just a beautiful concept. It’s thrilling to join forces with policymakers on both sides of the Channel to carve out green transport corridors.”
Carlsen proudly announced these milestones during the 7th Choose France Summit, slotted into the agenda of President Emmanuel Macron’s ambitious energy transition drive.
DFDS 2023 Strategic Vision
In 2023, DFDS unveiled Moving Together Towards 2030, setting clarity on its net‑zero trajectory and fleet expansion:
- Net‑Zero 2050 – Commit to zero carbon by mid‑century.
- Six Green Ferries by 2030 – Six vessels in active service, two of which are electric Channel‑shuttles.
- Two Electric Channel Ferries – Initiate electrified crossings that connect Denmark and France.
With these concrete targets, DFDS is steering a clear course toward a cleaner maritime economy.
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Let’s sail into a greener future together—one electric ship at a time.
