HANSEATIC spirit bunkers 100% biofuel in Amsterdam for the first time and relies on shore power

Since 2020, the shipping company's new expedition class has exclusively used 0.1 percent marine gas oil, a particularly low-sulphur fuel. In 2022, the sister ship HANSEATIC inspiration successfully carried out tests with a mixture of 30 percent biofuel and marine gas oil. This biofuel, which was produced from cooking oil waste, reduced CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent compared to conventional fuels and contains hardly any sulphur oxides. In Amsterdam, the HANSEATIC spirit now relies entirely on a second-generation biofuel made from residual materials and waste products. Following her arrival at the Hamburg Cruise Center Altona, the shore power connection was also successfully tested, underlining the shipping company's commitment to environmental protection and emission reduction.

Three ships in the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises fleet ready for shore power The use of shore power is a decisive step towards reducing CO2 and pollutant emissions. Following the successful certification of the HANSEATIC nature in March of this year, the HANSEATIC spirit has now also fulfilled the requirements of the classification society and can use shore power worldwide, if available. Together with the EUROPA 2, this means that three of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' five ships are now able to access shore power. The data for the HANSEATIC inspiration will also be transferred shortly in order to convert the entire expedition fleet, consisting of the HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit, to shore power.

Shore power as an integral part of the new expedition class The installation of shore power connections was already included in the plans for the new expedition class in 2015. This technology is an important lever for decarbonization, as it significantly reduces emissions in ports. There are currently fewer than 30 shore power systems worldwide, mainly in North America, China and Europe. Isolde Susset, Managing Director of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, who was responsible for the new construction project, emphasizes: “The topic of shore power has gained national and international importance since the planning phase. I am proud that our team has taken this forward-looking approach. Our luxury ship EUROPA 2 was one of the first ships to be connected to shore power back in 2013.”

Voyage example In the coming winter, guests on board the HANSEATIC spirit will experience the picturesque towns of Norway as well as crossing the Arctic Circle twice during exciting activities such as reindeer and dog sledding or snowshoe hikes. At the best time for auroras, guests can observe the impressive celestial phenomenon from the many open decks as the small expedition ship sails through the fjords and islands of Norway's Inside Passage. Away from the peak season, the HANSEATIC spirit reaches the North Cape and crosses the Geirangerfjord. The route leads from Hamburg via Bergen, Ålesund, Tromsø, the North Cape and the Lofoten Islands, the Svartisen Glacier and the Geirangerfjord back to Hamburg. The voyage lasts from 20.01. to 04.02.2025 (15 days) and can be booked at the SILVER rate from 7,390 euros per person based on double occupancy, excluding travel to and from the destination.