Hurtigruten has become the first Norwegian cruise line to begin testing biodiesel on board a ship, providing up to a potential emissions reduction of 95%.
The initiative is the latest push by Hurtigruten as it strives to the goal of becoming completely emission free.
“Biodiesel can in the long run potentially give a CO2 reduction of as much as 95 percent compared to traditional marine fuels. Hurtigruten is testing certified biodiesel that is free of palm oil. The industry needs to start making more sustainable choices and Hurtigruten wants to lead the way,” said Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam.
“MS Polarlys has successfully been testing the use of biodiesel the last few weeks and will also be testing in the weeks to come. This is an important step for Hurtigruten on the way to in the future become emission free.”
The shipping industry accounts for 2-3% of all global carbon dioxide emissions. Biodiesel can be made from different sources, for example wasted cooking oil, corn, soya, wheat, tallow or palm.
At the starting line
“We are just at the beginning when it comes to using biodiesel in the shipping industry”, said Skjeldam. “We want to move the boundaries and learn more about how this can be used in a bigger scale. This can potentially transform the industry.
“At the same time as shipping increases in the arctic areas, the emissions do too. But polluting fuels like Heavy Fuel Oil are still not banned in these vulnerable areas. Hurtigruten banned heavy fuel oil a decade ago and is working for a global ban.
“Hurtigruten wants an international ban of use of cheap, polluting Heavy Fuel Oil the whole Arctic area and along the Norwegian Coast. It makes no sense to create more pollution and increase the risk of spills and destruction in areas that need to be protected,” added Skjeldam.
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