• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
The ferry MF Kronprins Frederik, from Scandlines and formerly part of DSB in the Great Belt, departed from the Port of Puttgarden, Germany, to embark on its final voyage to the Port of Esbjerg, Denmark, where the vessel will be handed over to the Danish recycling company Smedegaarden.
The ship was built in the early 1980s, when DSB put it into service in the Great Belt between the Danish towns of Korsør and Nyborg and sailed that route until 1997. Subsequently, and until now, the ferry operated for Scandlines, first as a passenger and cargo ferry on the route between Gedser, Denmark, and Rostock, Germany, and, more recently, as a cargo ferry on the Denmark to Germany Rødby-Puttgarden service.
Over the years, this emblematic ship has transported millions of passengers, vehicles, and trains. But this time, only the captain and his crew were on board when the ship sailed from Puttgarden.
"The ferry is like an old lady who has been at sea for 45 years. After many years of faithful service, we are sending her on her last voyage," said Michael Guldmann Petersen, Scandlines' COO.
The ferry's last voyage was a nostalgic trip through the Great Belt, passing under the bridge, before heading towards Skagen and arriving at its destination port in Esbjerg, on a one-day trip.
"These have been very emotional days for us and, above all, for everyone who serves and has served aboard the MF Kronprins Frederik. Several crew members have worked on the ferry for many years. It is sad to have to say goodbye to the ship, which has served us well and reliably for many years and has given us many wonderful moments at sea," added Guldmann Petersen.
The MF Kronprins Frederik served on the Rødby-Puttgarden route until early March, when Scandlines' new cargo ferry The Baltic Whale took over the service.
"With the deployment of The Baltic Whale, which can sail exclusively on electricity, charged from shore, we have incorporated new and valuable tools. This brings us one step closer to our goal of sailing without direct emissions by 2040," continued Michael Guldmann Petersen.
Scandlines had been offering the MF Kronprins Frederik for sale for some time with the intention of continuing its operation, but the shipping company failed to find interested buyers. Therefore, the vessel was transferred to Smedegaarden, a company specializing in the dismantling and recycling of ships, included in the European list of authorized companies.
