Hurtigruten, expedition cruise line signed a deal with Norway-based Biokraft to supply climate-neutral liquified biogas (LBG) – and power ships with fuel made from dead fish and other organic waste.
The companies have entered a 7,5 year contract, which is said to be the largest ever global contract for supply of liquefied biogas to a shipping operator.
The partnership includes near-daily delivery of biogas produced from organic waste to Hurtigruten ships, the first cruise ships in the world to be powered by fossil-free LBG.
Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten CEO, commented
This is a large and significant move for Hurtigruten, for Biokraft, for green solutions in the global shipping industry, and most importantly, for the environment.
In the meantime, Hurtigruten will replace conventional engines with gas-powered engines and large battery packs on at least 6 of their ships by 2021. The hybrid ships will run on a combination of clean electric power, natural gas (LNG) and biogas (LBG).
Renewable biogas is a clean source of energy, which is though to be the most eco-friendly currently available.
Norway and North Europe, as both have large fishery and forestry sectors producing big volumes of organic waste, have both a unique opportunity to become leaders in biogas production.
Hurtigruten CEO Daniel Skjeldam noted
What other see as a problem, we see as a resource and a solution. While other operators are running on cheap, polluting heavy fuel oil, our ships will literally be powered by nature. Biogas is the greenest fuel in shipping, a no-brainer for us, and a huge advantage for the environment. We would love other cruise companies to follow.
