Cruise firm to invest €742m into biogas fuelled ships

Norway-based cruise operator Hurtigruten announced that it will be the ‘first’ cruise company to power its ships with liquefied biogas fuel (LBG) from 2021, Cruise and Ferry reports.

“What others see as a problem, we see as a resource and a solution,” said Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten CEO.

“While competitors are running on cheap, polluting heavy fuel oil, our ships will literally be powered by nature. Biogas is the greenest fuel in shipping and will be a huge advantage for the environment. We would love other cruise companies to follow.”

The company plans to implement LBG into six of its ships between 2019 and 2021, reducing sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.

According to the report, Hurtigruten is expected to invest over $850 million (€742 million) into integrating renewables.

“Hurtigruten is the world’s largest expedition cruise line and that comes with a responsibility,” said Skjeldam.

“Sustainability will be a key driver for the new era of shipping and the travel industry. Hurtigruten’s unmatched investments in green technology and innovation sets a new standard for the whole industry to follow. Our ultimate goal is to operate our ships completely emission free.”