Passenger Ship Technology editor Rebecca Moore tracks the decarbonisation trend in the cruise and ferry sectors in 2022
Would you believe in a ferry that flies? Passenger Ship Technology editor Rebecca Moore does. She followed up on her fascinating 2021 interview with the fledgling flying ferry outfit FRS to discuss its sea glider prototype in 2022. The company developing the hydrofoil and wing-in-ground-effect vessels says the disruptive technology is just one interesting example of how the pressure for zero emissions is helping the passenger shipping industry push the envelope in innovation.
Regent signs deal with FRS for ‘flying ferries’
As with last year, this year, I again chose Regent Craft’s sea glider concept, which is a hydrofoil harbour ferry that can then take off on wings, in the wing-in-ground effect, as one of my favourite stories. I have chosen this news item because it shows how far the ‘flying ferry’ has developed: from merely a concept to a real thing. Regent Craft has a quarter-scale sea glider demonstrating all the technology in the flesh and in real hardware. It also has several letters of intent with ferry operators under its belt.
Swan Hellenic chief executive praises SH Vega’s ‘fantastic’ environmental protection
In July this year, I had the opportunity to attend the ship naming ceremony of Swan Hellenic’s SH Vega and to stay on board this truly magnificent cruise ship in Helsinki shipyard, where the vessel was built. I was able to hear straight from the chief executive of Swan Hellenic and the shipyard about the challenges and the added efforts the shipbuilders undertook to build this ship during the height of the pandemic. I was also able to see, first hand, the ship’s many environmentally efficient features and impressive interiors.
Interferry highlights urgent need for onshore power supply
Interferry’s annual conference in 2022 in Seattle, Washington, in the US, highlighted the urgent need for onshore electric power to be made available in ports if ferry operators are to meet forthcoming and ever-tightening emissions regulations. In this story, Interferry chief executive Mike Corrigan, while recognising the urgency of the need for shore power, quickly shifts the discussion to actions key industry players are taking to solve this issue. One of the things I particularly like and which I think will be effective, is the ferry industry’s efforts to collaborate with other parts of the shipping industry, such as the cruise industry, to collaborate on lobbying efforts and achieve the roll-out of shore-powered berths in ports.
Ulstein launches thorium molten salt concept for zero-emissions cruises
Is there a proven, ‘silver-bullet solution’ for decarbonisation waiting to be explored? This news item came out of a press conference announcement by Ulstein shipyard at Seatrade Cruise Global. It highlights the creativity contained within the cruise industry as the entire shipping sector moves towards zero emissions.
Ulstein has created a concept design for a vessel powered by a thorium molten salt reactor that could enable zero-emissions cruise operations by operating as a mobile power charging station for battery-driven cruise ships. The use of thorium molten salt is a new type of power for the cruise industry. Its use is intriguing, not least because the technology has not been commercialised yet, and the discussions that surround the technology tend to quickly become politicised and heightened because of the nuclear element.
New Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ ferries a ‘major step’ to net zero
As the UK’s first high-speed hybrid passenger ferries, Uber Boat by Thames Clippers’ new battery-hybrid ferries are a significant step on the road to decarbonised ferry travel in the UK. I was invited to the Wight Shipyard to view the ferries and speak to both the shipyard and ferry operator about the design and construction of these ferries. The pair of interviewees gave a well-rounded account of both the challenges and benefits of hybrid-battery ferries. Another interesting topic they covered was the ferry operator’s ongoing journey to net zero – from battery operation, the company is now considering moving into use of hydrogen fuel cells.
