Hapag-Lloyd’s (HL) ‘Europa 2’ is now using cold ironing while berthed at the Cruise Centre Altona in Hamburg.
This involves providing shoreside electrical power to a ship at a berth while her main and auxiliary engines are switched off.
In this trial phase, its undisrupted use and compatibility had been comprehensively tested and prepared when the ‘Europa 2’ was moored at Altona. The down time – due to the current travel restrictions – offered HL the opportunity to successfully complete the testing.
All HL’s newly built ships are equipped for the use of cold ironing, the company said.
Another important component of the environmental strategy, is the extension of the use of low-pollutant marine gas oil, with a sulfur content of 0.1% to the entire fleet.
With a capacity for 500 pax, ‘Europa 2’ requires only 2.2 MW of power per hour during port time and is able to reduce its emissions to almost zero. The electricity being used is supplied by ‘Hamburg Energie’ and comes from 100% renewable resources, which means that the operation of the ship in the port is almost climate-neutral.
’Europa 2’ was also the world’s first cruise ship to be fitted with SCR catalytic converters. A catalytic converter reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by almost 95%. It is also the first cruise ship to have EEDI (Energy Efficiency Design Index) certification, and its CO2 emissions are 31% below the target value.
The other new ships in the expedition fleet are continuing this strategy. and are also equipped with catalytic converters, HL said.
“With our years of expertise in the luxury and expedition segment, we set the highest standards in the industry with our ships, and are committed to adhering to strict environmental protection standards. We have already made significant progress in this field and never stop working to improve it further,” said Karl Pojer, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises CEO. “We use marine gas oil with a low 0.1% sulfur content in the whole fleet, all over the world, thereby going beyond the legal requirements. Successful use of cold ironing is another important part of our environmental strategy.”
By transitioning to the low-pollutant fuel voluntarily, HL’s cruise ships sulfur emissions will be cut by 80%. The switch to marine gas oil also means a reduction in soot and particulates of up to 30%.
In addition, all sailing routes are carefully planned with an eco-efficient average speed, which can reduce fuel consumption by 30% and thus also lowering emissions.
