On Friday 28 October 2016 the second of Scandlines’ two new hybrid ferries for the Rostock-Gedser route was named M/V Copenhagen. The name giving ceremony took place at the Danish yard Fayard A/S.
In the company of 180 specially invited guests, Scandlines and Fayard celebrated that yet another milestone has been reached on the long and eventful journey towards ”New ferries for the Rostock-Gedser route”.
In his speech to the guests, Thomas Andersen, CEO of Fayard A/S, thanked Scandlines for the confidence which the shipping company has shown the yard and he compared the new ferry with Hans Christian Andersen’s ugly duckling that finally turned into a beautiful swan.
In the attendance of politicians, journalists, business partners and other stakeholders the vessel was named M/V Copenhagen. Together with the sister vessel M/V Berlin, the new hybrid ferry will connect the capital cities of Germany and Denmark, just as the ferries on the route have done for more than a century.
“These two new ships stand as a testament to the success and growth of Scandlines over recent years,” said Sally Borrows, the Godmother of the vessel, before wishing the ferry, her crew and passengers a safe passage. Sally Borrows is married to Simon Borrows, CEO of 3i Group plc, which is today sole owner of Scandlines.
“It has been interesting, challenging and sometimes frustrating to be part of this project. On the other hand: we have all had to do our best to succeed,” said Søren Poulsgaard Jensen, CEO of Scandlines. ”All the more so, I am immensely proud to be able to welcome everyone on board our new ferry, even though I know there is still some finishing to be done so it will take yet a few weeks before the ferry goes into service.”
Soon Scandlines will offer not only one but two new hybrid ferries on the Rostock-Gedser route, which has experienced growth for the last couple of years. The first few months with M/V Berlin in service even show double-digit growth rates.
M/V Copenhagen is currently undergoing a comprehensive test programme (Harbour Acceptance Tests). In late November, it will start on the sea trial (Sea Acceptance Tests), where the manoeuvrability will be tested under both usual and unusual conditions.
Scandlines expects M/V Copenhagen to go into operation before the end of the year.
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