AIDA Cruises' AIDAnova is the world's first cruise ship to run on low-emission LNG in port and at sea, thanks to its dual-fuel engines.
'We are very proud to operate the most environmentally friendly cruise ship and will continue along this path,' said Felix Eichhorn, president, AIDA Cruises, who along with Capt. Boris Becker welcomed numerous local government and tourism officials on board today.
Advanced air quality system
In addition to the use of LNG for cruise ships, Costa Group and other Carnival Corp. & plc brands have been pioneering the use of advanced air quality system in the small confines of a cruise ship. Considered an environmental breakthrough, AAQSs are intalled on more than 70% of ships in the Carnival Corp. fleet.
Barcelona is currently the largest cruise port to offer LNG bunkering. Thanks to Carnival Corp.'s partnership with Shell Western LNG, AIDAnova will be regularly supplied with LNG there and in Palma de Mallorca,
'We are delighted to receive AIDAnova in Barcelona,' said Francesco Muglia, general manager for Spain & Portugal of Costa Cruises. 'This ship, together with the arrival of Costa Smeralda in October, prove the firm commitment of Costa Group to sustainability and technology while contributing to the cruise industry making sustainable tourism a fundamental part of our industry leadership.'
Until early November, AIDAnova will offer seven-day cruises to ports including Civitavecchia (Rome), La Spezia and Marseille and Barcelona.
Costa Smeralda
Costa Smeralda will call at Barcelona on its first cruise on Oct. 30 before being christened in Savona on Nov. 3. The six-day inaugural voyage will depart from Savona Nov. 4 to Barcelona, Marseille and Civitavecchia.
Costa Smerald will then continue to sail the Western Mediterranean until April 2021, offering one-week cruises to Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Civitavecchia and La Spezia.
