With a goal of becoming emission-free, Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten has started testing biodiesel onboard MS Polarlys, which can potentially reduce emissions by 95%.
The shipping industry stands for use of more than 330 Mt fuels every year and is the cause of 2-3% of all global CO2 emissions. MS Polarlys has successfully been testing the use of biodiesel for the last few weeks and will also be testing in the weeks to come.
Biodiesel can be made from different sources, for example, wasted cooking oil, corn, soy, wheat, tallow or palm.
“A CO2-reduction of as much as 95%”
“Biodiesel can in the long run potentially give a CO2-reduction of as much as 95% 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.
Hurtigruten has also banned heavy fuel oil a decade ago and is working for a global ban. The cruise line is aiming for an international ban on the use of cheap, polluting heavy fuel oil in the whole Arctic area and along the Norwegian Coast.
