Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten trials biodiesel on cruise ship
Hurtigruten has become the first Norwegian cruise line to begin testing biodiesel on board its cruise ships. The fuel, which is being tested on the MS Polarlys, can reduce emissions by up to 95%.
Commenting on the development, CEO Daniel Skjeldam said: “Biodiesel can in the long run potentially give a CO2-reduction of as much as 95% compared to traditional marine fuels. Hurtigruten is testing certified biodiesel that is free of palm oil. The industry needs to start making more sustainable choices and Hurtigruten wants to lead the way.”
The cruise ship has been trialling the use of biodiesel over the past few weeks, with testing expected to continue in the weeks ahead. The company noted that it’s an important step for its plans to become emission-free.
The shipping industry consumes more than 330 million tonnes of fuel annually, and is responsible for 2-3% of global CO2 emissions. By using biodiesel, which is sourced from waste cooking oil, corn, soya, wheat, tallow or palm, the industry can begin to reduce its environmental impact.
“We are just at the beginning when it comes to using biodiesel in the shipping industry,” Skjeldam continued. “We want to move the boundaries and learn more about how this can be used in a bigger scale. This can potentially transform the industry.”
Hurtigruten banned the use of heavy fuel oil in its vessels 10 years ago, and is advocating for a global ban: “Hurtigruten wants an international ban of use of cheap, polluting heavy fuel oil [in] the whole Arctic area and along the Norwegian Coast,” explained Skjeldam. “It makes no sense to create more pollution and increase the risk of spills and destruction in areas that need to be protected.”
Commenting on the development, CEO Daniel Skjeldam said: “Biodiesel can in the long run potentially give a CO2-reduction of as much as 95% compared to traditional marine fuels. Hurtigruten is testing certified biodiesel that is free of palm oil. The industry needs to start making more sustainable choices and Hurtigruten wants to lead the way.”
The cruise ship has been trialling the use of biodiesel over the past few weeks, with testing expected to continue in the weeks ahead. The company noted that it’s an important step for its plans to become emission-free.
The shipping industry consumes more than 330 million tonnes of fuel annually, and is responsible for 2-3% of global CO2 emissions. By using biodiesel, which is sourced from waste cooking oil, corn, soya, wheat, tallow or palm, the industry can begin to reduce its environmental impact.
“We are just at the beginning when it comes to using biodiesel in the shipping industry,” Skjeldam continued. “We want to move the boundaries and learn more about how this can be used in a bigger scale. This can potentially transform the industry.”
Hurtigruten banned the use of heavy fuel oil in its vessels 10 years ago, and is advocating for a global ban: “Hurtigruten wants an international ban of use of cheap, polluting heavy fuel oil [in] the whole Arctic area and along the Norwegian Coast,” explained Skjeldam. “It makes no sense to create more pollution and increase the risk of spills and destruction in areas that need to be protected.”
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