The final ship, Volendam, successfully underwent the installation in Vancouver, British Columbia, and was connected to the port's shoreside electricity for a full day on September 27. This achievement marks a pivotal milestone as Holland America Line commits to reducing its carbon emissions by 20 percent by 2030 from its 2019 baseline. Let's delve into the details of this commendable initiative and the company's broader environmental practices.
Full Fleet Connected to Shore Power:
With the successful installation on the Volendam, Holland America Line proudly announces that its entire fleet is now equipped for shore power connectivity. Shore power allows ships to connect to onshore electrical systems while in port, significantly reducing the reliance on onboard generators and thereby minimizing pollution. This accomplishment aligns with the company's commitment to providing exceptional onboard care, extending its responsibility to care for the planet.
Gus Antorcha, President of Holland America Line, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "Having our entire fleet capable of shore power connection is a tremendous milestone in our sustainability efforts." By investing in various initiatives, including shore power, the company envisions a greener future and remains dedicated to reducing its carbon emission intensity.
Global Ports Embracing Shore Power Capability:
Holland America Line celebrates the growing acceptance of shore power by ports worldwide. Several prominent ports that the cruise line's ships visit have invested in shore power infrastructure, allowing greener operations and reducing environmental impact. Among these ports are Juneau, Alaska; New York; San Francisco and San Diego, California; Seattle, Washington; Halifax, Montreal, and Vancouver, Canada; Bergen, Ålesund, and Kristiansand, Norway; Kiel, Germany; and Shanghai and Xiamen, China. By expanding the availability of shore power options, Holland America Line hopes to pave the way for other global ports to embrace this sustainable technology.
Installation Progress from Vista to Pinnacle Class Ships:
Holland America Line began its journey towards fleet-wide shore power connectivity back in 2006, starting with its four Vista Class ships. Over the years, the company extended its commitment to new ship constructions. The Pinnacle Class ships, including the Koningsdam, Nieuw Statendam, and the Rotterdam, were built with shore power systems already integrated, showcasing Holland America Line's dedication to sustainable practices. Additionally, the Eurodam and Nieuw Amsterdam received partial installations during their launches, which were later completed to ensure full shore power connectivity.
Beyond Shore Power: Embracing Environmental Practices:
Shore power is not the only initiative Holland America Line has taken to minimize its environmental impact. The company has implemented numerous practices to promote sustainability and reduce its carbon footprint. For instance, Holland America Line has made significant strides by eliminating single-use plastics onboard its ships. In lieu of plastic materials, the company has adopted biodegradable or paper-based alternatives, thus ensuring both an exceptional guest experience and a reduced ecological footprint.
Holland America Line's achievement of enabling shore power connectivity across its entire fleet is a notable milestone in the company's sustainability endeavors. With a commitment to reducing carbon emission intensity, the cruise line has taken significant steps towards a greener future. By working alongside global ports and advocating for shore power infrastructure, Holland America Line is fostering sustainable practices within the industry. As they continue to explore innovative solutions and embrace environmentally friendly practices, the company sets an inspiring example for the cruise industry as a whole.
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