1 1 2 Silversea’s new Silver Nova will be powered by LNG, fuel cells and batteries, which will significantly cut its carbon footprint and enable emission-free port operations not only for cruise, but also for other parts of the shipping sector as well.” Svensen is only too aware that when spread over the lifetime of the ship, the carbon footprint generated during the construction phase is a relatively small component compared to its whole operation. However, he says: “It is significant, and we need to try and reduce it. What is important here is that we have to look at the totality of our operation and count emissions from all the components. That is the whole purpose of it.” Discussing the lifetime of ships and responsible recycling, Svensen highlights that, during the pandemic, RCG recycled a small number of ships in yards that were certified to handle the materials in a responsible manner. He noted that recycling older vessels is sometimes the greenest option because, even if they are retrofitted, they do not offer the same energy efficiency as newer ships. “A new class of ship is generally 20 per cent more energy efficient than the previous class,” he explains. “With rising energy costs and our focus on decreasing emissions, this is going to be an important driver in the cruise industry in terms of fleet renewal in the future.” Although there is no single solution, RCG has always worked hard to continually improve the overall efficiency of its new ship designs, focusing on doing as much as it can in the short term to enable the ambitious transition towards a net-zero emission future. “There is no silver bullet to decarbonising shipping or achieving low emissions, so we must pursue all possible avenues,” says Svensen. “Every little change contributes to us achieving our ultimate aim. We are working with shipyards closely to achieve these results. It is possible, but it requires high competence and focus.” In addition, RCG is testing new and innovative solutions, such as alternative fuels and fuel cells. Silver Nova, a new ship being constructed for RCG brand Silversea Cruises, will use a large onboard fuel cell installation to generate all the electricity it needs in port, so it can switch off its engines. “This is all part and parcel of trying for long-term solutions, but also achieving reductions now,” says Svensen. “It is not easy and we don’t have all the answers, but we are also cautiously optimistic that new solutions will emerge as we go along.” CFR INTERV IEW “ There is no silver bullet to decarbonising shipping or achieving low emissions, so we must pursue all possible avenues”
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