AIDA has reported further progress with its ambition to introduce its first emission-neutral ship in 2030.
An important milestone was reached with the commissioning of ‘AIDAnova’, the world’s first LNG-fuelled cruise ship. In addition, the first use of fuel cells and batteries on board is planned for 2021.
“With our green cruising strategy, we have been pursuing the long-term goal of emission-neutral cruises for many years. In addition to the use of LNG, we are already researching the use of emission-neutral fuels, eg from renewable energies. We are committed to the further expansion of shore power supply, not only in Hamburg, Rostock and Kiel, but also in other destinations.
“The use of batteries on board ‘AIDAperla’ and fuel cells on ‘AIDAnova’ is planned for 2021. Together with partners from science, business and politics, we will develop innovative answers to important questions about the future. Our goal is to put the first emission-neutral ship into service in 2030,” explained Felix Eichhorn, President AIDA Cruises, at the unveiling of the cruise line’s current sustainability report.
Following the delivery of ‘AIDAnova’ last year, the company said that thanks to the new ship design, the use of LNG and other measures to reduce energy consumption in the hotel, catering and leisure sectors, the CO2 emissions per person and day on board could be reduced by around 55% to 27 kg in fiscal 2019, compared to the fleet average emission (59.8 kg) in the fiscal year 2018.
Careful use of resources has produced 31% less plastic waste and 15% less food waste per person and day on board, compared to the previous year. Water consumption per person and day on board decreased in the same period by around 6.8%. At the same time, AIDA Cruises expanded its commitment to protecting fresh water. In 2019, the in-house production rate from seawater on board reached 86%.
Meanwhile, the methanol-operated fuel cell system, developed by Freudenberg Sealing Technologies and set to be installed on ‘AIDAnova’, has secured an Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV GL.
This will allow further testing: Systems backed by the ‘Pa-X-ell 2’ German research project will be installed on the cruise ship. Five partners are involved in this initiative – Freudenberg, Lürssen, Meyer Werft, AIDA Cruises, and DNV GL.
“Our solutions aren’t just suitable for cruise ships and yachts but also all kinds of cargo ships and ferries. More than 95% of the ships require a solution that will work on the high seas,” said Michael Milch, who heads the supplier’s programme management.
“The configuration as a hybrid fuel cell-battery system makes it possible to equip ships in all performance classes with 100% climate-neutral propulsion. Freudenberg offers its customers these hybrid solutions from one source.”
Benjamin Scholz, Ship Type Experts Gas Carriers, DNV GL – Maritime reviewed Freudenberg’s fuel cell system. He said: “Fuel cells are an attractive option to realise a flexible and environmentally friendly propulsion concept for a ship.
“Accordingly, with the fuel cell solutions developed, Freudenberg supports the IMO’s intention to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in international shipping in the long term.”
