CARBON NEUTRAL CRUISES MADE POSSIBLE

The cruise vessels need to play a role in the future greener shipping. Fuel availability in vulnerable areas is scarce, and to date, alternative fuels are non-existing. Ulstein now proposes a cruise concept prepared for a stepwise transition towards zero-emission operations. The ULSTEIN CX129 has been developed to operate on dual fuel methanol/MGO engines. If desirable, MGO can be replaced with HVO, a renewable biofuel with cleaner combustion. Methanol is an available energy source with an advantageous energy density and storage availability, and green methanol results in very low emissions. The power plant is supported by a large battery package enabling periods of zero-emission operations. Methanol-fuelled, the vessel will meet the expectations of emission reduction from day one. The next step might be to install fuel cells for methanol, and space will be reserved for this upgrade. The design also has the flexibility for a later upgrade to hydrogen, preparing the cruise operators for a zero-emission future.