Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

1 7 5 Carnival Corporation’s Costa Cruises brand debuted its first LNG-powered ship, Costa Smeralda, in December 2019 we can operate in port as close to zero as possible,” comments Strang. “You could use the batteries to manoeuvre in and out of port, or for around two hours alongside. It might also allow for an engine to run at optimum power during operations without needing an extra generator, again saving energy and reducing emissions.” Different fuel types, such as hydrogen, ammonia and biofuel, are also being investigated. However, there is very limited infrastructure to provide these fuels to ships. There are also problems with the toxicity and lack of bunkering support and regulations for ammonia, as well as the large space required for storing hydrogen (four times that of a conventional fuel) and the requirement to keep it at minus 253C (minus 423F). Gas turbines could also make a comeback due to their better emissions signature. “The challenge is to get the right combination of sizes based on the different load profiles,” says Strang. “A large turbine is not efficient on low load. Gas turbines and diesel engines are both around 50% efficient in transforming fuel to energy. A fuel cell at 60% or 80% efficiency offers a very different possibility. We could potentially replace the engine with a fuel cell and battery. We’re in an interesting space, which is why we’re partnering with others to jointly explore options.” Looking at a decarbonised future, Strang says there are several options when it comes to power development – even nuclear power is technically feasible. “We’re faced with a larger dilemma: what is the decarbonised fuel of the future?” he says. “We’re trying to find the optimum pathway to success.” Strang says that in every case: “There are a lot of challenges and regulatory uncertainty.” However, he notes that not so long ago, ships were unable to carry an LNG tank, but now AIDAnova is continuously running on LNG with very positive feedback. As the industry grapples with new nitrogen and sulphur oxide emission restrictions and regulations, it is also facing a call for zero-emission ships. Strang accepts the challenge, but says: “We always need to be safe and reliable which is why we’re doing the projects to reduce emissions and find a way towards a fully sustainable cruise industry.” CFR “We could potentially replace the engine in future with a fuel cell and battery” INTERV IEW