Nearly ten years after the sister ship Viking Grace’s inauguration, Viking Glory entered service in March 2022, emitting 10% fewer emissions than its predecessor.
Fuel-efficient ships
Viking Line, a Finnish shipping company, has introduced more fuel-efficient ships that are powered by LNG and equipped to use biogas or synthetic fuels when they become available. The company plans to start by offering freight owners the option to pay extra for a portion of the biogas used to provide power, then give passengers the same option. Viking Line is also exploring the possibility of using e-methane combined with wind energy to create a completely fossil-free fuel but says that infrastructure needs to be built first.
Improving hydrodynamic efficiency
Viking Line is implementing Elogrids on bow thrusters to improve hydrodynamic efficiency and plans to install them on its six-ship fleet during scheduled dry docks. The company is using shore power and plans to continue reducing energy consumption by 3% annually through technical solutions and developing the way vessels are handled on routes. Viking Line is also exploring possibilities to reduce energy consumption on the hotel load by more efficient use of air conditioning and heating systems.
The regulations
Viking Line CEO Jan Hanses believes that the company’s environmental initiatives are attracting loyal and satisfied passengers. The company’s efforts to increase sustainability can be seen in the way food is handled and by offering local and sustainable food solutions. Viking Line is also preparing for the EU’s Fit for 55 plan to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. The company plans to make its operation more efficient to balance the further costs it will bring.
The regulations will call for a progressive decrease in the proportion of fossil components in fuels, but this must be tempered with worries about price mechanisms: “We need to use fuels other than fossil fuels in the future in order to be able to function,” he says.
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Source: Cruise & Ferry
