Following the latest twist in the tale one wonders if Scandlines will ever complete the required newbuilds for their Rostock-Gedser service ahead of the 2015 deadline. Having cancelled the P+S Werften (Straslund) built ships Berlin and Copenhagen (due for delivery May 2012 but annulled November 2012) a new order for a double ended pair of ferries was placed with STX Finland in July 2013 when a letter of intent was signed.

However, reports in early January suggested that STX Finland was unable to secure the financial arrangements needed to finalise the deal. At the end of 2013 news was already surfacing that Scandlines had gone back to P+S Werften and offered €25m per ship as both still sit at the shipyard without buyers. Originally each ferry cost over €82.5m and the company had refused to take delivery of the ships in 2012 when it became clear they had been built with too great a deadweight and therefore too much draught.

Whilst the Berlin and Copenhagen may not necessarily be used on their intended route, Scandlines needs to act fast to secure the required newbuilds (third time lucky?).