PortalCruceros
PortalCruceros
The coastal cruise ship Havila Polaris loaded its tanks with 200 cubic meters of liquefied biogas supplied by Barents Naturgass at Polarbase Hammerfest, Norway, marking the start of a historic journey for the shipping company, where CO2 emissions are reduced by more than 90% and it is demonstrated that greener shipping is possible.
On its next round trip along the coastal route, the Havila Polaris will load a total of 350 cubic meters of liquefied biogas. The first shipment was made and the remaining volume will be delivered at the Port of Bergen by Molgas Energy on Sunday, November 30.
“This is an important and very proud day for Havila Voyages. We are demonstrating that it is possible to sail the coastal route with extremely low emissions, without making technical changes to our ships,” said Bent Martini, CEO of Havila Voyages.
Preliminary calculations show that the ship will reduce its actual CO2 emissions by almost 92% thanks to the use of biogas and the ship’s batteries. Furthermore, local NOx and SOx emissions are completely eliminated when using biogas.
“Relevant stakeholders such as FuelEU Maritime and the Norwegian Environment Agency point out that biogas can generate very significant, almost zero, emission reductions, depending on the purity of the gas,” Martini added.
Therefore, this is a very relevant solution that can make LNG-powered ships significantly cleaner. Globally, there are numerous LNG ships in operation, as well as many on order and under construction. In principle, these can operate on biogas without the need for additional adaptations, which can help reduce shipping emissions.
Currently, around 800 gigawatt hours (GWh) of biogas are produced annually in Norway. The four ships of Havila Voyages alone would need just under half of this volume to sail exclusively on that element all year round.
“Norway has a long way to go in biogas production, and numerous positive initiatives are being launched that can increase the volume. These initiatives must be supported to become a reality, and with the support of the Norwegian authorities, it is possible. Biogas from waste and animal manure will help solve waste and methane problems, while creating more jobs on our coast, which is very important for us as a company,” Martini noted.
Furthermore, biogas production will generate by-products such as biofertilizers, which would benefit the country’s agricultural sector.
Some are skeptical about the use of so-called new and alternative fuels and fear that their introduction will compromise safety. “First and foremost, biogas works. The Havila Polaris behaves exactly the same as when using natural gas, since natural gas and biogas have the same properties,” detailed Kurt Naerbø, captain of the Havila Polaris.
“I am proud to have the honor of commanding this ship the first time we sail with climate neutrality thanks to biogas, and to work in a company that is a pioneer in demonstrating that greener shipping is possible.
“Safety is paramount; I would never agree to sail on this ship if I had the slightest doubt about it,” added Naerbø.
“Biogas is a real Kinder egg for Northern Norway: it solves waste problems both in households and in the aquaculture industry, drives significant investments in industrial projects, and creates new skilled jobs in rural areas. This is the circular economy in practice and an important contribution to the green transition in the north,” said Mikael Iversen, Sales Director of Barents Naturgass.
“Now that we are supplying liquefied biogas to Havila Voyages, we are demonstrating that it is possible to carry out climate-neutral voyages along the Norwegian coast. This is an important breakthrough for green shipping and proof that technology, environmental considerations, and value creation can go hand in hand. Biogas makes climate-neutral freight transport, travel, and tourism possible. With projects like this, we enable both businesses and travelers to choose sustainable alternatives, while at the same time strengthening the sustainability of rural communities in the north,” concluded Iversen.
