In 2014, the Norddeutsche Binnenreederei (NDBR), a subsidiary of the Weiße Flotte, introduced four innovative solar-powered ferries into service for the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG), the public transport provider in Berlin. The company operates these eco-friendly ships on two year-round routes plus two seasonal lines. They can each accommodate up to 49 passengers. The propulsion of these remarkable ships is provided by two electric motors that are powered by solar cells on the vessel´s roof. The ferries can be operated predominantly with solar energy as long as there is sufficient sunlight for the panels to harvest. In case the sun does not suffice, the batteries can also be charged overnight with electricity from the local grid. The ships, built at the shipyard Formstaal in Stralsund, constitute a significant innovation in the public transport sector. The operation of such electrically-powered ferries, in this size and number, is unique in Germany. Weiße Flotte is one of the ventures of the FRS Förde Reederei Seetouristik, an internationally business group base in Northern Germany with a portfolio that comprises twenty-one subsidiaries located in Europe, North Africa and North America. In addition to numerous international ferry and catamaran lines, a shipmanagement company and the operation of a port complete the product range.