Norwegian Cruise Line has completed its two-year project to clean up their exhausts two years early, saving the company over $2 million. The introduction of a carbon dioxide scrubber allowed them to reduce emissions by 95%, which is well ahead of schedule. While many companies are still hesitant about switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources due to financial concerns, this shows that it can be done with less impact on cost and much more sustainability for future generations.
Norwegian Cruise Line has completed the exhaust gas cleaning two years ahead of schedule. The company had planned to complete the work by 2020. Read more in detail here: norwegian cruise line news.
The environment is becoming a more important consideration for cruise companies. The industry has come a long way in recent years, from LNG-powered ships to cutting-edge onboard systems that deal with everything from wastewater, sewage, sludge, and exhaust fumes.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings is set to finish a significant project that will see Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) installed on approximately 70% of Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas ships.
The Environmental Program was completed on time and on budget.
The conclusion of NCLH’s $200 million effort to make the cruising world a bit more ecologically friendly is marked with the installation of new Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems aboard Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway.
“Approximately 70% of our operating capacity, or 13 ships, is now equipped with this unique environmental technology, and all but one ship is equipped with a hybrid system that can run in closed or open loop,” says NCLH President & CEO Frank Del Rio. During the COVID-19 pandemic-related trip suspension, we took use of the opportunity to speed up installations on existing ships, completing the project over two years ahead of schedule.”
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The EGCS technology greatly decreases cruise ships’ environmental impact. Sulfur oxides and particulates are removed from exhaust gases by the system, which is installed within the ship’s smokestacks. As a result, emissions are reduced and air quality is improved.
Also read: Norwegian Cruise Line’s 10th Ship Returns to Service With Tampa Cruises
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings launched an effective environmental plan in June of last year, consisting of three key measures. The first is to cut carbon emissions by reducing fuel usage and improving energy efficiency.
Second, investing in technologies like EGCS with the purpose of eventually eradicating CO2 emissions. Additionally, develop a voluntary carbon offset scheme, acquiring carbon credits to offset three million MTCO2e over the course of three years. All of this is part of the Sail & Sustain program at NCLH.
Will These Systems Help Cruise Ships Get Rid of Black Soot?
When cruise ships arrive in port, enormous plumes of black smoke are released. This has been in the headlines many times throughout the years. This is a build-up of soot and carbon in the ship’s smokestacks that is blasted out by the ship’s systems. It’s most noticeable when a ship resumes its main engines after a day in port.
Photo credit: Shutterstock.com/Ovidiu Curic
While the scrubber, or EGCS, does not completely eradicate the issue, it does assist to mitigate it. The EGCS basically cleans the exhaust gases before they exit the ship. It employs a mist of saltwater or freshwater to remove approximately 98 percent of pollutants. The only thing left is pristine white steam in an ideal world.
Giovanni Canu, vice president of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.’s special projects and operational support: “Environmental protection is critical to our business, and we are always seeking and investing in innovative, cutting-edge technology and ideas to lessen our environmental effect, such as exhaust gas cleaning systems,” says the company.
Surprisingly, the method also enables NCLH to utilize heavy fuel oil as the principal fuel source instead of MGOs (marine gas oil). Using HFOs instead of MGOs will result in lower CO2 emissions.
Things to Know About the Norwegian Getaway Cruise Ship (Worth Reading)
The Sail & Sustain initiative at NCLH focuses on a number of critical areas where the firm may have a positive influence on society and the environment. Reducing environmental impact, sailing safely, empowering people, strengthening our communities, and operating with integrity and accountability are some of the program’s cornerstones.
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