Posted on Nov 20, 2018
by in Cruise News
The Norwegian expedition cruise line will combine waste from fish processing with other organic materials to create biogas for at least six ships by 2021.
Once again, Scandinavia leads the charge against pollution, waste, and harmful emissions. Norway-based expedition cruise line Hurtigruten has just announced a plan to generate biogas using fish waste.
Cruise line sets sights on sustainability with new green energy initiative
Hurtigruten plans on replacing the majority of its fossil fuel usage with sustainable options. One of these is biogas, which is made from liquefied organic waste (including dead fish). Another is liquefied natural gas, which is a cleaner and more eco-friendly fossil fuel replacement.
The cruise line is also exploring innovations in battery power, an option previously closed to the cruise industry at large. Thanks to new advancements in battery manufacturing, Hurtigruten hopes to install a battery pack large enough to power a voyage in the coming years.
Eco-friendly changes also planned for passengers
All 17 of the expedition cruise line’s ships, as well as the three hybrid-powered cruise ships currently under construction, have made environmentally friendly changes on board. The 125-year-old cruise company has banned single-use plastics, a choice that will reduce its carbon footprint.
Sustainable energy offers multi-industry benefit
Hurtigruten’s chief executive Daniel Skjeldam predicts the possibilities from biogas, cleaner fuel alternatives, and battery power will have a positive impact on Norway’s massive shipping industry.
“The steady access to high volumes of organic waste gives the Nordic countries a unique position on the biogas market,” he says. “I believe we have just seen the beginning of what in a few years will be a huge sector.”
With many cruise liners producing as much greenhouse gas daily as one million cars, we’re hoping Skjeldam is right.