Quiet and idyllic

Odense aims to be carbon-neutral by 2030, and Odense Aafart fully supports this goal. Over the past six months, we’ve been working tirelessly to get the tour boats ready before the start of the season, and we’re now pleased to announce that Odense Aafart is launching solar-powered electric boats.

Now you have the chance to experience nature and the Odense River in a whole new way the next time you cruise up the river. The trip will be more idyllic than ever. The motors in the electric boats are completely silent, which is not only a fantastic experience for guests but also provides greater peace and quiet for nearby neighbors and those out and about along the Odense River.

An exciting and educational process

Tour boat route map and sailing route

The “Zero Emission” project began back in 2019, when Odense Aafart launched a process to explore options for phasing out the use of diesel. Quotes and prices were obtained from suppliers, but the project turned out to be significantly more expensive and more complex than initially anticipated.

In the spring of 2022, the project really gained momentum when Odense Aafart, through Destination Fyn, was accepted into the “Green Circular Transition” advisory program. There, they were assigned a consultant with experience advising on the project for the electric ferry, Ellen. This advisory program provided Odense Aafart with the necessary knowledge and insight, and in the fall of 2022, the final decision was made and the equipment was ordered.

Solar cells and self-generated power

Aafart tour boat

During the consulting process, Odense Aafart was presented with the possibility of installing solar panels on the roofs of its electric boats. This is unprecedented in the industry, but it represented a truly unique opportunity not only to achieve “zero emissions” (boats that emit no exhaust gases or other pollutants from their onboard power source) but also to generate approximately 90 percent of the boats’ electricity themselves.

“It was a truly unique opportunity to take a step toward sustainability, and that’s why we chose to go all-in and invest not only in electric motors but also in solar panels installed on the roofs of the boats,” says Eva Pasgaard Skytte, CEO of Odense Aafart.

Larger investment than expected

Tour boat route map and sailing route

The project turned out to be larger and more extensive than expected, both in terms of the size of the investment, the scope of the renovation, the approval process with the Danish Maritime Authority, and, not least, the new solar panels. The total investment amounts to just under 2 million DKK, including consulting fees and approvals, and this must be considered a very significant investment for such a relatively small company.

Fortunately, Odense Aafart received strong support for the green transformation of this 141-year-old cultural heritage site and received grants from the Energi Fyn Foundation, the Sydbank Foundation, and the Albani Foundation. In addition, grants were provided from the SMV:Grøn and Grøn Cirkulær Omstilling funding pools. In total, it has been possible to secure grants and funding covering approximately 30% of the total investment.

Season opening at Odense Aafart

Odense Aafart boats docking at Munke Mose—experience it all with an annual pass

On April 2, the season kicks off with plenty of experiences on the Odense River. The season features idyllic tours on the sightseeing boats, relaxing time on the pedal boats, and canoe trips for the adventurous.
There’s also the chance to take part in a variety of events featuring delicious tastings, such as rum tastings, wine tastings, and beer tastings. Are you more in the mood for a girls’ night out? Then a delicious rosé tasting, a cocktail cruise, or a Ladies’ Night might be just the thing.

Every year, a variety of musicians come to put on fantastic performances! “Musik på Åen” offers a chance to spend cozy hours on the water with your loved ones, enjoying a quiet summer evening with music and drinks on board.

If you’d like to try out the new tour boats for yourself, you can book your ticket here.

FAQ - Solar powered electric boats at Odense Aafart

Here you’ll find answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you still have a question, you’re always welcome to contact us.

What are Odense Aafart’s solar-powered electric boats?

Odense Aafart’s solar-powered electric boats are tour boats that run on electricity and are partially powered by solar energy. The boats are designed to make boat trips on the Odense River more sustainable and reduce emissions from sailing in Odense.

Odense Aafart’s electric boats sail on Odense River between Odense city center and Fruens Bøge. The trip goes through scenic areas along the river, where you can experience both nature and city from the water.

Solar-powered electric boats use electricity for propulsion, and solar cells on the boat help produce some of the energy. This means the boats can sail more environmentally friendly and with less noise than traditional boats.

Odense Aafart has invested in electric boats to make boat trips on Odense River more sustainable. The transition to electric boats reduces both noise and CO₂ emissions and contributes to greener tourism in Odense.

Sailing with electric boats often feels calmer because the engine is almost silent. This makes for a more relaxing experience where you can enjoy nature along the Odense River without engine noise.

Yes, Odense Aafart continues to offer boat trips on Odense River. The solar-powered electric boats make it possible to experience the same popular route in a more sustainable way.

Electric boats do not emit exhaust gases while sailing and make less noise than traditional boats. This is an advantage for nature, wildlife and the visitors who experience Odense River.

The transition to electric boats is part of a greener development in tourism in Odense. This means that visitors will be able to experience Odense River and the city from the water with less environmental impact.