Sustainability takes to the seas
Sustainability and sustainable travel are two of the main focuses for many operators and consumers alike. It is fair to say that historically, cruise ships have not always featured high on the list of most sustainable modes of transport or holiday destinations. From excessive use of energy and fuel to waste dumping, cruise ships are renowned for contributing largely to destroying marine life, polluting oceans and beaches. A large cruise ship on average on a one week voyage is estimated to generate 210 000 gallons of human sewage and 1 million gallons of gray water and this is before the fuel and oil pollution is taken into account. But Havila Voyages' second ship, Havila Castor, which set off on her first round voyage along the classic Norwegian coastal route from Bergen to Kirkenes is looking to change this.
Havila Castor, together with her sister ship Havila Capella, is a state-of-the-art ship, with technical features that make her the most environmentally friendly ship that has ever sailed the classic coastal route between Bergen and Kirkenes. The ship's propulsion is a combination of natural gas (LNG) and a battery pack of 6.1 megawatt hours (MWh), the world's largest battery pack on a passenger ship. Havila Voyages has invested around NOK 500 million to make the ships as environmentally friendly as possible with the technology available.
“Delivering on our climate and environmental promises is important to us. Figures from Havila Capella's previous sailings show that we have cut CO2 emissions by more than 30% in operations so far, and we will continue to work on further reductions” says CEO Bent Martini.
Among other things, future blending of biogas will reduce emissions even more.
Next month, Havila Castor will be writing history.
“On Thursday 2 June, Havila Castor will be the first ever passenger ship to sail into the Geirangerfjord purely on battery, silently and emission-free. That is four years before the Norwegian government's requirement for this type of sailing in our world heritage fjord and we are proud that we have already achieved this.” says Martini.
"Havila Voyages’ new coastal cruise ships are decorated with Norwegian furniture in a classic Nordic design. The food on board reflects the areas you sail through, and our guests can enjoy the beautiful Norwegian coast through large windows that let in nature and show off the changing weather and light. In addition, passengers will sleep well in large and modern cabins."
“The food you get on our ships should be an important part of the total experience of travelling with us, with locally produced ingredients from suppliers along the coast. It contributes to local value creation and gives our passengers a completely different culinary experience.” Martini concludes.