| A new study has compared the environmental impact of ferries and aviation. The Norwegian shipping company Havila Kystruten is at the forefront of the environmental field and operates the coastal stretch between Bergen and Kirkenes with plug-in hybrid vessels that operate alternately on electricity and natural gas. The vessels can cruise on electricity, completely silent and emission-free, for 4 hours. The new Havila Kystruten ship has the world's largest battery pack for passenger ships, with a capacity equivalent to just over 600 Tesla. The batteries weigh 86 tons and have a capacity of 6.1 megawatts. The batteries are charged with electricity from hydroelectric power plants when the ship is in port. When they start to run low, the ship switches to running on natural gas (LNG). In combination with battery operation and efficient operation, the Havila Coastal Line reduces carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 40 percent compared to similar ships on the route. Cruising with Havila Kystruten is the most environmentally friendly way to travel, the round trip takes 11 days in total (Bergen-Kirkenes-Bergen). The Norwegian coast attracts travelers from all over the world who want to experience Norway's magnificent nature with fjords, steep mountains, small villages, magical northern lights and midnight sun, as well as bucket list experiences such as Lofoten, North Cape and the World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord. In 2018, the Norwegian Parliament decided that cruise ships and ferries should travel emission-free in Norwegian World Heritage fjords as soon as technically possible – and no later than 2026, something that Havila Kystruten already meets. . Havila Kystruten has proven that greener cruise traffic is absolutely possible, if only the will is there. The company's vision is to revolutionize the cruise industry and contribute to a more sustainable industry. The long-term goal is zero emissions along the entire Norwegian coast. Havila Kystruten's ship has the world's largest battery pack for passenger ships and the hybrid engine is adapted to be refueled with the most environmentally friendly fuel available, in the form of natural gas, biogas and hydrogen. Currently, electric power is combined with natural gas (LNG), which reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 40%. With today's technology, Havila Kystruten can offer climate-neutral cruises. The goal is for Havila Kystruten's cruises to be completely emission-free by 2030 and the company has high hopes that this goal can be met earlier than that. Currently, two of Havila's hybrid vessels are in operation: Havila Capella or Havilah Castor. The ship Havila Polaris will be inaugurated in February 2023 and Havila Pollux will be launched in March 2023. According to the press release. |
