A German cruise line is planning to trial innovative battery and electrification technology on a “large cruise ship” for the first time in just a couple of months.
Aida Cruises, part of Carnival Corp, has been working with battery supplier Corvus Energy to “step up practical use of electrical energy from battery storage systems”.
The move, which will see these systems installed across its 13 ships, follows the line’s focus on switching to propulsion systems powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
AidaNova, the line’s first ship to be fully powered by LNG, entered service last December, with two more on order through 2023.
By the end of 2023%, Aida says 94% of all its guests will sail on ships fully powered by LNG and green shoreside energy at port.
By the end of next year, 12 of Aida’s ships will be able to receive shoreside power.
Aida, part of Carnival’s Costa Group, says its focus on battery technology will also further reduce the line’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Michael Thamm, group chief executive, said: “Our goal is emissions-neutral ship operation. The electrification of our ships is another important milestone on this path.
“Thanks to the cooperation with Corvus Energy, already in a few months Aida Cruises is going to launch this innovative technology on a large cruise ship.”
Aida’s green cruising strategy is also exploring CO2-free production of LNG from renewable sources and the use of fuel cells.
In partnership with the Meyer Werft shipyard, the line will, in 2021, carry out the first test of a fuel cell onboard one of its ships.