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Hapag-Lloyd fits eco-friendly electric motors to Zodiacs

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The Zodiac fleet on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition ships Hanseatic and Bremen have been fitted with electric motors
The Zodiac fleet on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ expedition ships Hanseatic and Bremen which enable passengers to land in otherwise inaccessible area are equipped with eco-friendly Deep Blue electric motors, produced by German manufacturer Torqeedo.

After a one-year pilot phase in which the electric motors were tested on Zodiacs on-board the two ships all now sport the 80 horse-power motors.

'For years the ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises have used low-emissions marine diesel in fragile cruising areas such as the Arctic and Antarctic. Equipping our expedition Zodiacs with electric motors represents another investment in the future of our environment. With their flora and fauna, our cruise destinations are key to the appeal of our itineraries and we want to protect what fascinates us,' explains Karl J. Pojer, ceo of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

'In Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, we are very happy to have found a highly-respected partner that will take on a pioneering role and implement our technology on the rubber boats it uses for expeditions,' said Dr Christoph Ballin, ceoof Torqeedo.

As a full propulsion system, Deep Blue features an electric motor and all other components required to propel the boat – from the lithium battery to the on-board computer.

Unlike outboards with combustion motors, electric propulsion systems do not release any emissions, or harmful substances into the water. 'This will help to protect the vulnerable waters in which excursions take place and the new motors are considerably quieter than the Zodiacs’ previous 36 horse-powered motors,' he added.