Australia is the world’s largest producer of battery-powered vessels – thanks to Denmark

Molslinjen has ordered three battery-powered catamaran ferries, which will be deployed in the Kattegat in the coming years on what the company likes to call the “floating bridge” between Zealand and Jutland. Once electri­fi­ca­tion is completed, the ferries will be able to save the climate up to 132,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

“When we are building ferries that together constitute the world’s largest electri­fi­ca­tion project at sea, we need a supplier with a high degree of innovation that can also deliver top quality on time. We have that in Incat Tasmania. Together with them, we are proud to push the boundaries of modern high-speed ferry operations,” said Carsten Jensen, CEO of Molslinjen.

Molslinjen is one of the most ambitious ferry operators in the world when it comes to reducing harmful climate emissions. For example, the company introduced electric ferries on the Samsø line and the Als line in 2025–26. At the same time, the company has embarked on nothing less than the world’s largest electri­fi­ca­tion project at sea.

Danish Shipping has carried out an analysis showing that Australia – partly due to Molslinjen’s large order – is now the largest producer of battery-powered vessels, ahead of traditionally major shipbuilding countries such as China and Turkey.

“It really says something about Molslinjen’s level of ambition that the company’s order is having such a significant impact on the global market. Naturally, it also reflects that this is not yet a very large market. But it can and should become one. There is no doubt that electri­fi­ca­tion is a key element in the green transition of shipping, particularly when it comes to ferries and coastal shipping. We can certainly take pride in the fact that Denmark is home to a ferry operator leading the way globally in more sustainable ferry operations based on battery technology,” said Jacob K. Clasen, Deputy CEO of Danish Shipping.

Battery technology is developing rapidly, and the market for battery-powered vessels is still in its infancy. In total, battery-powered vessels amounting to 136,639 GT are currently under construction or on order at shipyards around the world. Of this, Molslinjen’s order for three ferries accounts for 47,325 GT.

On Thursday 19 March, Their Majesties the King and Queen of Denmark will visit Incat Tasmania as part of their state visit to Australia.

Photos: Incat Tasmania

See Danish Shipping’s analysis here (in Danish)