Scandlines retires iconic Kronprins Frederik ferry

The Scandlines ferry Kronprins Frederik made its final voyage on the weekend of 27‑28 July 2026, departing Puttgarden and arriving at the Danish port of Esbjerg where it was handed over to recycling firm Smedegaarden A/S. After 45 years of service, the ship—originally launched in 1981 as a train ferry for Denmark’s DSB on the Korsør‑Nyborg route—later operated on the Rostock‑Gedser line and, most recently, as a freight ferry between Puttgarden and Rødby.

Scandlines COO Michael Guldmann Petersen said the vessel had “served faithfully for 45 years” and that the final trip was “a moving farewell for the crew”. The new freight vessel The Baltic Whale took over the Puttgarden‑Rødby service in early March 2026, marking Scandlines’ shift toward more climate‑friendly operations.