A new expedition cruise ship is expected to deliver the lowest greenhouse gas emissions per passenger in the industry.
The claim came from Danish line Albatros Expeditions following sea trials of new 185-passenger vessel Ocean Victory.
The ship is part of a new generation of low-energy vessels and will be operated by Albatros Expeditions in Antarctica, with the first voyage scheduled for November.
The ship will then be on charter to Victory Cruise Lines for operations in Alaska in the summer.
Ocean Victory will be joined by sister ship, Ocean Albatros, in October 2022.
Ocean Albatros will be operated by Albatros Expeditions year around in Antarctica and the Arctic.
Albatros works with a range of suppliers in the UK including Aqua Firma, Audley, Discover The World, Gane and Marshall, Latin & Polar Routes, Riviera, Steppes, Swoop The Cruise People, The Small Cruise Ship Collection. The Ultimate Travel Company, Voyages Jules Verne and Wildfoot.
The environmental performance is created by the unique features of the vessel, according to company president Hans Lagerweij.
He said: “First of all, Ocean Victory has Tier III compliant engines, the cleanest engines in the world that limit the amount of nitrous oxides.
“Secondly, we only burn marine gas oil, which emits less CO2 per ton burned compared to a heavier bunker fuel.
“Thirdly, the patented and revolutionary Ulstein X-bow is fantastically efficient, especially with surf and in rougher seas.
“And lastly, Ocean Victory has a fully optimised compact design, providing comfortable space for 185 guests in only 104 metres length and just over 8,000 gross tonnage”.
Søren Rasmussen, owner and founder of parent company Albatros Travel Group, added that the ship uses 60% less energy.
“We look forward to the day when we can replace the last 40 percent with sustainable fuel,” he added.
“We received our first sustainable travel award back in 1997, when most of the industry had no clue what sustainable travel meant, so of course we are always wanting to aim higher and find new solutions.”