Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced that it will only be burning low-sulfur marine gas oil (MGO) on the Hanseatic Nature, Hanseatic Inspiration and Bremen from July 2020, as well as the Hanseatic Spirit, set to join the fleet in 2021.

In particularly vulnerable areas such as the Arctic, Antarctica and Kamchatka, Hapag-Lloyd said in a prepared statement that it has been using MGO for a number of years, before the corresponding legal regulations have taken effect. The new expedition ships are also equipped with SCR catalysts, reducing nitrogen oxide emissions by almost 95 per cent, and shore power connectors.

According to Hapag-Lloyd, the routes are planned and managed on the basis of an eco-efficient average speed, reducing fuel consumption by one third. Moreover, the ships have seawater desalination systems to produce clean water and biological sewage treatment systems for wastewater. Environmentally-acceptable biological lubricants are used for the bow thrusters and stabilizers.

“The vulnerable cruising areas visited by our expedition cruise vessels need particular protection. Strict regulations apply to these regions, and of course we comply with each of these rules. In addition, we have defined stringent requirements we adhere to on our voyages to the most remote regions,” commented Karl J. Pojer, CEO.