End of Scandlines’ Baltic Monopoly

End of Scandlines’ Baltic Monopoly

The German cartel office ordered ferry operator Scandlines to open a Baltic Sea route to the competition today. Following a complaint by two rival Norwegian lines, Scandlines could soon be forced to share its port facilities at Puttgarden and Rødby. The decision concludes an investigation into claims that Scandlines was abusing its position as the sole proprietor of the ports to maintain a monopoly over the route. Norwegian shipowners Bastø Fosen and Eidsiva jointly submitted a formal complaint four years ago.

Scandlines operates a ferry service in 15-minute intervals along the so-called Vogelfluglinie, the fastest connection between Germany and Denmark. Bastø Fosen and Eidsiva hope to run an hourly ferry service of their own along the route. Their plans include two newbuildings that run on natural gas, which would carry passengers and vehicles across the Fehmarn Belt.