EU Project Strengthens Ferry Traffic Between Lübeck and Trelleborg

The “Digital Green MoS” project, co-funded by the European Union under the Connecting Europe Facility, is strengthening the short sea shipping connection between Lübeck-Travemünde and Trelleborg.

At Skandinavienkai, Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft (LHG) modernized the access infrastructure and central IT systems. The Port of Trelleborg implemented, among other measures, two side ramps at berths 10 and 13 as well as traffic monitoring and digital control systems. For the shipping company TT-Line, which regularly connects both ports, these measures improve the conditions for stable, efficient, and more predictable port operations along the western Baltic Sea route.

The project ran from 2021 until the end of 2025. Its objective was to reduce the environmental impact of transport, increase the efficiency of the existing connection between the European core network ports of Lübeck-Travemünde and Trelleborg, and prepare the ports for growing freight volumes as well as new, larger LNG-powered RoPax vessels.

“Digital Green MoS” was implemented by a consortium consisting of the Port of Trelleborg, Lübeck Port Authority, and TT-Line. Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft played a central role in two work packages: improving accessibility to Skandinavienkai and modernizing and securing the IT infrastructure.

“At Skandinavienkai, digital displays were installed in the entrance area, the associated control software was implemented, and a digital signage system was introduced. In addition, the main gate was redesigned to improve traffic flow management within the terminal area,” reports Christian von Wedel, Head of IT/Logistics at Lübecker Hafen-Gesellschaft. The aim, he says, is to make long-term use of existing pre-staging areas more efficiently without having to develop additional land. Another component of the Lübeck measures was the digitalization of rail freight traffic within the terminal area.

At the same time, LHG modernized key technical systems, including access controls, firewalls, network infrastructure, camera systems, and the server room.

As part of the project, Trelleborg also further developed its infrastructure and digital control systems. The new side ramps as well as traffic monitoring and control systems are intended to improve port operations and support the safe, efficient, and reliable handling of larger and lower-emission RoPax vessels.

“The measures implemented in both ports will make cargo handling processes more efficient, reduce port congestion, and strengthen transport,” announces LHG CEO Prof. Sebastian Jürgens.

The project partners aim to achieve an annual modal shift of 73 to 94 million tonne-kilometres from road transport to sustainable modes of transport in the hinterland of the ports. By 2035, this could result in savings of up to 387,100 tonnes of CO₂.

The project was successfully completed on December 31, 2025. For LHG, “Digital Green MoS” represents another step toward preparing Skandinavienkai technologically, digitally, and organizationally for future requirements and strengthening the competitiveness of the Lübeck-Travemünde location in Baltic Sea transport.