Day 2: Hurtigruten shows how every day can be Earth Day

#expeditioncruising .

 

To celebrate Earth Day on 22 April, Hurtigruten Expeditions, the leader in sustainable cruising, is highlighting how tourism operators and travellers can create a positive impact each and every day.

 

Damian Perry, Managing Director of Hurtigruten Asia Pacific, says the environment is central to all of Hurtigruten Expeditions’ operations, including hybrid technology and innovation.

 

“At Hurtigruten, sustainability is always at the forefront of our minds and with our world-first hybrid-powered ships MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen, we continue to lead the way in the cruise industry,” Mr Perry said.

 

“These high-tech vessels reduce carbon emissions on the ships by 20 percent, setting an example we hope others will follow.”

 

Hybrid technology & innovation

 

Science, innovation & technology

As Hurtigruten Expeditions enters a new era of adventure travel driven by sustainability, the company  has committed to setting and raising the standards for industry to follow, with the ultimate goal being to operate all cruise ships completely emission free.

Fighting climate change through innovation 

In addition to introducing the world’s first hybrid-powered cruise ships, Hurtigruten is testing and powering ships with green biofuel made from organic waste. There are more than 300 cruise ships in the world and the daily emissions from one single vessel operating on heavy fuel oil can be equivalent to one million cars. This needs to change.

 

Banning heavy fuel oil
Because of the reliance on heavy fuel oil (HFO), the shipping industry is a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly SOx, NOx and CO₂. Other pollutants, such as particulate matter and black carbon also contribute to global warming in the Arctic and cause environmental damage in other ways. Hurtigruten stopped using HFO over a decade ago and has been encouraging the rest of the industry to do so. With leading environmental partners such as the Clean Arctic Alliance and the European Climate Foundation, Hurtigruten is spearheading the #HFOFreeArctic campaign to ban the use of HFO in Arctic waters.

 

MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen

Named after legends of the golden age of polar exploration, Hurtigruten’s revolutionary hybrid-powered ships are the standard bearers of what will be the world’s greenest expedition cruise fleet. They are equipped with large battery packs to significantly cut emissions and are packed with cutting-edge green technology, feature innovative environmental solutions, and have improved hull and bow designs. 

 

What can YOU do? Hurtigruten’s top three tips

1. Drive less – bike or walk more.
2. Use long-lasting, energy-efficient light bulbs which help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It also helps to switch off the light when you leave the room.
3. Reduce, reuse and recycle. Follow the three ‘R’s to conserve natural resources and landfill space. 

Hurtigruten Expeditions has a history of 127 years and in more recent decades, Captains and crew, expedition teams and returning guests have witnessed the impact of climate change on vulnerable polar areas. Because of this, sustainability is now at the heart of Hurtigruten’s identity and operations.

 

For further information visit www.hurtigruten.com.au