Norway's Havila Vogages tops...

Cruise ships meet 65% of NABU criteria

Norway's Havila Voyages cruise line has placed top of German environmental organisation NABU's sustainability ranking in 2023.

In recent years, NABU has been ranking global cruise companies based on their efforts towards a greener industry. Havila Voyages was included in the ranking for the first time in 2023 and went straight to the top on its first attempt.

NABU's insights show that the cruise industry still has a long way to go, but the ranking also shows that the right steps are being taken. Last year's top-ranked company only achieved 50% of the achievable points, while this year Havila Voyages achieved nearly 65%.

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Havila Voyages' goal is to achieve climate neutrality for its fleet by 2028 and zero emissions by 2030. It could achieve this by using biogas – a renewable energy source produced from raw materials such as agricultural waste, manure, municipal waste, plant material and sewage.

"We could be climate neutral today by using biogas without making a single change to our ships, but availability and price are challenges," CEO Bent Martini said.

The company's plan for 2030 is to use an emissions-free fuel alternative, with hydrogen currently appearing to be the best solution. Rather than buying new ships, modification will be made across the fleet.

"In plain terms, it means that we do not need to build new ships to succeed in our zero-emission goals. In that regard, we are probably quite unique today, not only in Norway but also worldwide," said Martini.

For more information, visit www.havilavoyages.com