Norwegian expedition cruise company, Hurtigruten has confirmed plans to power its ships with fuel made from dead fish and other organic waste.As informed, Hurtigruten and compatriot firm Biokraft have signed a 7.5-year liquefied biogas (LBG) supply deal which is said to be the largest ever contract of its kind involving 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.“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,” Daniel Skjeldam, Hurtigruten CEO, commented.Hurtigruten intends to replace conventional engines with gas-powered engines and large battery packs on at least six of its ships by 2021. The hybrid ships will run on a combination of clean electric power, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and LBG.As explained, LBG can be mixed with and used on same tanks and engines as LNG, taking advantage of existing infrastructure and technology.Hurtigruten has also embarked on a newbuilding program comprising three hybrid cruise ships. The first of them, Roald Amundsen, will join the company this year.—World Maritime News
