European ferry company Stena Line has reported an 11% reduction in carbon emissions per ton of cargo carried over each nautical mile. A 4% reduction in total ship emissions compared to pre-Covid-19 operations was also reported.
The company states the main contributor to the reduction of emissions is the higher utilization and subsequent efficiency of its fleet with cargo over the past few years. Stena Line now uses 100% renewable electricity when in port and during layovers. The energy is used for shore power at 20% of the company’s terminals while berthing, to load battery packages on board vessels and for onshore electric vehicles used for port operations.
Other initiatives to improve the sustainability of the ferry company’s operations include access to e-trucks for ferries and pilot projects which use recycled methanol from the steel industry as shipping fuel.
Having set out a company roadmap for a net-zero future, Stena Line aims to reduce total CO2 emissions from its vessels by 30% by 2030.
“As we strive to reduce energy consumption in all of our operations, I am proud that by introducing our new E-Flexer ferries in our route network, we made significant steps in further improving our overall efficiency during operations,” said Niclas Mårtensson, CEO, Stena Line.
Maria Tornvall, head of sustainability, Stena Line, said, “Stena Line has been a trailblazer for the industry when it comes to implementing sustainable technology, operations and structures, and we are aiming to retain our position as a leading company in this area. The future is challenging on various levels, but with a clear roadmap towards a net-zero future and an even better workplace, defined steps how to reach the targets, and not the least the dedication of all of us, there are a lot of reasons for optimism.”