The urgency to address the emissions from the maritime industry is pressing, with businesses that depend on seagoing vessels facing mounting pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new global regulations, customers, and shareholders. In the tourism industry cruise ships are under intense scrutiny for their sustainability performance, but the issues extend also to cargo ships, tankers, and ferries which in combination account for three percent of global emissions. According to the Department of Energy, “if the maritime industry was its own country, it would rank sixth on the list of largest global greenhouse gas emitters.”
This year, in an effort to help spur adoption of innovative approaches to climate action in travel, Tomorrow’s Air, the Adventure Travel Trade Association and Innovation Norway are embarking on a Year of Climate Action, a yearlong series of dynamic networking and educational events focused on climate innovation. The year will culminate at Innovate for Tomorrow: Climate Action Summit, an exclusive event for travel industry executives taking place at the end of October 2024 in Norway, and including an overnight aboard Hurtigruten’s MS Richard With.
In this article learn more about the pressures and range of solutions used in the maritime sector today from two maritime travel businesses whose executives will be in attendance at the event: Hurtigruten and Swoop Adventures.
Hurtigruten
Emissions on Hurtigruten’s hybrid-electric MS Richard With are cut by large battery packs combined with the ships brand new low emission engines, reducing fuel consumption and CO2-emissions by approximately 25 percent. The ship is also updated with state of the art navigation and control equipment, new wastewater treatment equipment, and SRC technology that reduce NOx emissions by at least 80 percent.
Hurtigruten is a renowned ship-based exploration and adventure travel company that stands as a pioneer in sustainable exploration to some of the world’s most captivating destinations. With a history dating back to 1893, when it began operations along Norway’s rugged coastline, Hurtigruten has evolved into a global brand known for its expedition cruises. Hurtigruten focuses on embracing cutting-edge technology alongside its commitment to exploring Norway’s unique maritime cultural heritage.
The company’s sustainability strategy revolves around three key pillars:
Investments in innovative technologies such as battery-powered hybrid ships and LNG (liquefied natural gas) propulsion systems are prioritized to help reduce emissions. In 2018 Hurtigruten became the first cruise to eliminate single use plastics across its fleet and shore operations. They have since transitioned three ships to hybrid power, and have reduced CO2 emissions by 25 percent and NOx emissions by 80% on 7 ships in their fleet. In 2022 they announced their flagship ‘Sea Zero’ project which aims to create and sail a zero-emission ship by 2030. Hurtigruten is not alone in its effort to transform its operations: its zero-emissions ship and hybrid-electric maritime advancements are integral to Norway’s ambitious goal for emission free fjords by 2026.
Hurtigruten, in collaboration with SINTEF, the largest independent research organization in Scandinavia, and VARD, designer and shipbuilder of high-quality specialized vessels, along with 11 other maritime innovation partners are working to create the world’s first zero emissions cruise ship, shown below.
This first-of-a-kind vessel will be equipped with a 60 MWh plug-in rechargeable battery system, retractable thrusters for streamlined movement, contra-rotating propellers for energy efficient propeller flow, and underwater air stream system to reduce drag. The vessel will be topped with three solar panel covered ‘wing rigs’ for energy efficient sailing. Inside, artificial intelligence maneuvering will slim down the cockpit for a more aerodynamic hull, and smart cabin technology will allow guests to control energy use in their cabin from an app. Read more about these exciting innovations on Hurtigruten’s website.
Expedition cruises have made accessible some of the world’s most remote and pristine environments, and have facilitated life-changing experiences in nature, but not without consequences. Their historically high emissions and negative environmental impact have induced debate around limiting transportation to locations like the Norwegian Fjords (Transport & Environment). “This is an industry that overall has a long way to go, but if we work more together, it will be easier and more efficient. It's crucial that we approach sustainable travel together, as the future of our industry depends on it. Travel can be a force for good, but a sustainable approach is truly a license to operate,” said Carly Biggart, VP of Sales & Marketing at Hurtigruten.
Swoop
Swoop is a travel company also focused on expedition cruising, but at the opposite end of the earth from Hurtigruten. Swoop operates in remote destinations such as Antarctica and Patagonia. A certified B Corp, Swoop has been leading tours to Antarctica for over 15 years and has a sustainability strategy that isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics. Antarctica is one of the most climate sensitive destinations in the world, and according to Swoop’s latest impact report, trips to Antarctica can be five times more carbon intensive than a trip to Patagonia, emitting as much as 469 kg CO2e per cabin per day, not including the long-haul flight to Chile or Argentina.
As part of its climate strategy Swoop funds carbon avoidance and renewable energy projects with Ecologi, and in 2023 ordered 29 tonnes of carbon dioxide for removal through Tomorrow’s Air, the world’s first travel focused platform enabling travel companies to easily access resources to educate staff and guests about climate conscious travel while also funding carbon removal with permanent storage and sustainable aviation fuel.
While traveling with Swoop, guests also have the opportunity to participate in citizen science projects that contribute to conservation in the region. Swoop’s 2023 impact report states “Our success must be measured not just by how satisfied our customers are, but by the extent to which they become ambassadors for change.”
Without a doubt the unique opportunity to awaken climate advocacy in guests is a differentiator for travel companies when it comes to climate action, and Swoop takes this opportunity seriously.
“As a B Corp, we believe in responsible tourism and our duty to shape demand within the industry.” says Luke Errington, Founder and CEO of Swoop Travel. “By sharing the good practices and commitments of our partners we’re helping to support and promote the transition to a green economy. With biofuels and increased renewable energy options on the horizon, we are poised to significantly reduce our Scope 3 emissions.”
This October, Mr. Errington will join executive leaders from Hurtigruten along with climate experts and innovative leaders from a range of industries at the Innovate for Tomorrow: Climate Action Summit to explore ways to better incorporate climate action into travel's 'business as usual' - everything from new approaches to investing in public-private partnerships, business models, technologies and natural solutions - to help stabilize our climate.
Find out ways you can participate in Year of Climate Innovation gatherings, and apply for a spot at the Innovate for Tomorrow Climate Action Summit today.