German ferry operators face rising fuel costs

Rising fuel costs are impacting ferry operators across Germany. In Hamburg, the public operator Hadag reports increased fuel expenses while revenues remain constant, requiring additional financial support from the city to maintain service levels.

In Kiel, the Schlepp- und Fährgesellschaft (SFK) has been forced to switch from Gas to Liquid (GTL) synthetic diesel to standard marine diesel following the destruction of a GTL production site in the Middle East. While the new fuel is cheaper and has a higher energy density, the company noted that savings are offset by the increased need for exhaust filter cleaning.

In the North Sea, the shipping company Adler-Schiffe has reduced its service frequency to Sylt and Föhr. To save on fuel and reduce CO2 emissions, several vessels, including the ‘Adler Rüm Hart’ and ‘Adler-Express’, will have additional rest days, leading to a thinner schedule for travelers between the islands.