Latest ‘Green’ Cruise Ships
Cruising companies have recently felt the persuasive powers of various governments, who have asked them to clean up their act and develop ships that are more sustainable and environmentally viable. The extent to which cruise ships damage the environment really entered the public’s consciousness a few years ago with a number of critical expert reports released to the media, and this is something cruise companies wish to put behind them. Additionally, there is added incentive from the fact that carbon emissions above a certain level are soon to be heavily taxed, which of course no cruise company will like. Here are 3 of the latest ‘green’ cruising developments.
More Efficient Ships. Not only are ships now being made from more sustainable materials and but they are also being designed and constructed to more efficient specifications. The materials are getting lighter so less energy is needed for propulsion, soft sails are often being included, and a company in Ireland have pioneered a biogas-powered engine, set to soon be used by Cunard Cruises. A very clever hydrodynamic hull that turns the energy from waves into propulsion energy is also the brain child of the same Irish company.
Hybrid Boats. We have all heard of the very successful hybrid cars that use both fuel and battery power to move. Now ship builders such as those making boats for Silversea Cruises are getting in on the action and making boats that couple the traditional diesel power with electrical power. When berthed, a ship simply plugs in to the shoreside power supply and charges its batteries, what could be easier
Cargo Sharing. A great idea being trialled by Oceania Cruises is ‘cargo sharing’. If a cruise ship has not filled all its spaces, it can offer to carry commercial cargo for other companies sending things to the same place, for a small commission of course. The cruise company wins as they get money they would otherwise not have got, the cargo company does not have to charter its own boat, and energy is saved that reduces carbon emissions.
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