A safe crossing with Molslinjen

Challenge

Population mobility has been challenged in many ways during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the very act of leaving one’s home being linked to greater risk of infection. Closures and restrictions have prevented mobility between parts of the country, and public transport has been subject to social distance requirements.1 The Danish government has repeatedly urged Danes not to use public transport during rush hour, and train journeys require pre-booked seat tickets.2 Several experts have pointed to the car as the safest means of transport3, and in the summer of 2020, a record number of people chose to travel on holiday by car.4 At the same time, several Danish shipping companies have been challenged by restrictions and declining passenger numbers.5/6

Solution

Molslinjen operates a ferry route between Jutland and Zealand, which has been subject to the restrictions. As a result, Molslinjen has launched a number of initiatives to offer a safe crossing for their guests. The company’s ferries have been SafeGuard certified, which means that the ferries meet a number of strict requirements that reduce

Taxonomy

Sphere: Transportation

Timescale: Tactical, Short Term the risk of infection on board.7 Among other things, all ferries have had UV filters installed in their ventilation systems. These kill airborne viruses and bacteria with ultraviolet light. With many passengers and a short crossing time, it has also been possible to allow passengers to stay in their vehicles on the car deck during the crossing, which is not permitted under normal circumstances.8 This measure has allowed passengers to use the ferry route without leaving the safety of their cars. To enable the measure, extra distance has been required between vehicles to provide a potential escape route and space for staff to monitor and guide passengers in the event of an evacuation.

The example shows how technical solutions such as ventilation systems not only play a role in creating a safe indoor environment in buildings but also elsewhere, such as on public transportation. The example also demonstrates that adjusting existing requirements – in this case the Danish Maritime Authority (Søfartsstyrelsen) – can enable transport providers to create conditions that keep their passengers safe.

Type: Interior Design, Smart Solution

User Group: Eustomers/Users

On Molslinjen’s ferries, a number of spaces are reserved for cars with passengers

Before COVID-19: passenger cars are positioned closely to maximise capacity

After the introduction of restrictions: cars with passengers keep a greater distance to ensure safe escape routes

Project and location: Racing Arena Aalborg, Aalborg, Denmark

Contributor: Region Nordjylland - Patientforløb og Økonomi – Sundhedsplanlægning

Established: 2020