LNG supply of AIDAprima: Shell becomes the new strategic partner of AIDA Cruises
Contract signed for AIDAprima's first docking in Rotterdam
On the occasion of AIDAprima's first docking in Rotterdam on April 19, 2016, AIDA Cruises and Shell sealed their partnership for the future supply of LNG to AIDAprima and her sistership AIDAperla. AIDAprima is the world's first cruise ship which can be operated in an environmentally friendly way in port with liquefied natural gas (LNG). This leads to a major reduction in emissions when docked. As the exclusive strategic partner of AIDA Cruises, a brand of the Carnival Corporation & plc, the energy company Shell will supply the LNG at all ports for low-emission ship operation.
"We believe in LNG as being the cleanest fossil fuel!" says Felix Eichhorn, President AIDA Cruises. "In Shell, we have a strong global partner who will forge a new path with us in establishing LNG within the maritime industry. With the supply of LNG to AIDAprima when she is docked, we are setting a clear trend in terms of environmental and climate protection."
In all ports along the Metropolitan route, AIDAprima can be operated with LNG while docked at port. The preparations and initial permit procedures for the ports of Hamburg, Southampton, Le Havre, Rotterdam and Zeebrugge are already well underway. LNG trucks will ensure the supply of LNG to AIDAprima. In contrast to the use of traditional marine diesel containing 0.1% sulfur, emissions will be significantly reduced when using LNG. The emission of sulfur oxide and soot particles will be completely prevented. Nitrogen oxide emissions will be reduced by up to 80 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent AIDA Cruises will begin test operations in the first ports in as early as the coming weeks.
Rostock, April 20, 2016
