AIDA Use of Modern Technologies

Aug 6, 2013 11:00 AM ET

August 6, 2013 /3BL Media/ - In international comparison, and especially compared to cargo shipping, the AIDA fleet is one of the most modern, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly world.

Motto of our action is: The Best ton of fuel, is that we do not use! An AIDA ship consumes, on average per person only 3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers of driving. This was confirmed in an independent expert opinion of Germanischer Lloyd.

Since 2007 we have used in accordance with the law in the North and Baltic basically only low-sulfur fuels. In all European ports engines process since 2010, only diesel with a share of only 0.1% maximum sulfur. In the port of Hamburg since 2007 AIDA does this on a voluntary basis. Sulfur emissions were thus returned to over 90%. However: Low-sulfur fuel is not available everywhere. The global demand can be met, according to experts of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) not yet. Therefore, the UN Organization IMO has adopted a phased plan for implementation, which will be implemented gradually.AIDA supports this schedule in full. reduction of emissions (particulate filters and catalysts): Inside the Carnival group we are working hard for years to the fullest possible solution for reducing emissions. First test installations have been tested successfully within the group. Current projects to retrofit the fleet to be worked out. So far, there are no tried and tested solutions for filter concepts that can both soot particles and nitrogen oxides (NOx) actually eliminate. Our goal at AIDA is to bring a comprehensive solution as quickly as possible to use, that is, a combination of scrubber, particulate filters and nitrogen oxide catalytic converter. We are convinced that a comprehensive solution is best for the environment.shore power and LNG Hybrid Barge.

An AIDA ship spends around 40 percent of its operating time in a port. Even today, all ships of the AIDA fleet that were built from 2007, prepared in an environmentally friendly energy supply from shore power while at berth in the harbor. Thus, for example AIDAsol whose exchange is the port city of Hamburg, already be connected to shore power. We strongly welcome all initiatives of the ports to the creation of the appropriate infrastructure.

As this example shows, we can not rely on the provision of land power alone. Therefore, AIDA Cruises and Becker Marine Systems have developed together with other partners, the LNG Hybrid Barge. This pioneering project allows for energy-saving and emission-reducing power of cruise ships at berth in the Port of Hamburg. The first LNG Hybrid Barge is already under construction and will be in 2014 for the first time at the start. The time required for the operation of a cruise ship energy is then no longer produced on board the ship with diesel engines, but by environment-friendly gas (LNG). The emission and particulate emissions is thus reduced again. Compared to conventional marine diesel with 0.1 percent sulfur content no sulfur oxides (SOx) and soot particles are emitted more in the future while the vessel is in port. The emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) is reduced by up to 80 percent of carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent. The first LNG Hybrid Barge is already under construction and will be in 2014 for the first time at the start. Many port cities have already expressed interest in this project. The ships of the AIDA new generation also in terms of environmental protection is the new AIDA ship generation standards. A completely new hull design, which was developed by AIDA Cruises, together with the Hamburg Ship Model Basin and MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), leads to a substantial increase in energy efficiency.Another novelty: the world's first cruise ship of the AIDA new generation will be equipped in 2015 with the so-called MALS technology (Mitsubishi Air Lubrication System). This system allows the ships glide future on a bubble Carpet. The video for the MALS technology can be found at: bit.ly/194rqfA

We will equip our next generation of ships from 2015 with dual-fuel engines. Dual-fuel engines can be operated with all marine fuels or eco-friendly LPG.

By the way: With 500 ships, the proportion of cruise shipping to commercial shipping (about 99,000 units) is only 0.52 percent worldwide. The proportion of AIDA Cruises at the world's total, civilian shipping is approximately 0.02%.

Since 2007, AIDA Cruises documented its activities in its annual Sustainability Report AIDA Cares. This is based on the internationally recognized GRI (Global Reporting Index) and is available at www.aida.de / aida cares

Claiming that a cruise ship caused so many issues, such as five million cars on the same track, with no scientific basis. Independent experts such as Prof. Dr. Ing Holger Watter, a professor of sustainable energy systems and marine engineering at the Fachhochschule Flensburg, have proved that. A car that is parked almost the whole day, compared with a 24 hours boat. Ships are not just transportation. In addition to the pure transport they also offer hotel accommodation, gastronomy and leisure infrastructure.These additional services are included in the energy balance.