German line A-Rosa River Cruises says its new hybrid-powered ship, A-Rosa Sena, will be able to generate electricity from its exhaust heat.
The river cruise operator claims the 280-passenger vessel, scheduled to launch on the northern Rhine in May 2022, will be the first river ship in Europe to be fitted with the exhaust heat recovery system.
Sena will combine a diesel engine with an electric motor, powered by batteries, meaning the vessel can enter and leave ports emission-free and ‘silently’, A-Rosa said.
“A key element of this system is the ability to store any extra energy generated by the diesel engine in the batteries and call upon it when needed,” the line said.
“This will ensure the engine runs as efficiently as possible at all times.”
The ship will also have a hull which has been designed to reduce friction and energy consumption.
In addition, any exhaust gases that are produced by the diesel engine will be treated with a catalytic converter/particle filter.
This means the ship can reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by at least 75% and more than 90% of the particle pollution.
Sena will have shore power connectivity, meaning it will be able to take electricity from the national grid of the country in which it is docked.
Waste water will be purified on board via a waste system and disposed of in port by specialist companies.
Lucia Rowe, managing director at A-Rosa River Cruises, for the UK and Ireland, said: “Sustainability is key for A-Rosa as we look to protect the rivers we sail through for future generations.
“Sena demonstrates our commitment in this area and we are so proud that we are leading the way with some incredible features that make this ship the most climate-friendly river cruise ship in Europe.”