Cruise and ferry operators shortlisted for Marine Propulsion Decarbonisation Awards 2023

The awards, held in association with Passenger Ship Technology’s sister publication, Marine Propulsion & Auxiliary Machinery, aims to recognise and celebrate the best innovations, technologies and practices that contribute to sustainable and decarbonised marine propulsion and promote long-term environmental responsibility and resilience.

Both MS Medstraum, operated by shipowner Kolumbus, and Norled’s Hydra have been shortlisted for the Vessel of the Year award. Eight companies were shortlisted for the category, which recognises a vessel that has set new standards in vessel optimisation, maritime decarbonisation and sustainability.

MS Medstraum is the world’s first zero-emissions electric fast ferry, with 80% propulsive efficiency. It is dubbed as pioneering sustainability for fast ferries. Norled’s Hydra is the world’s first hydrogen-electric ferry, paving the way for zero-emissions shipping.

Meanwhile, Ponant and MSC Cruises made it on to the shortlist for the Operator of the Year Award, along with six other companies.

Ponant scooped a spot as it has pioneered sustainable cruising through the industry’s first LNG-powered expedition ship and its groundbreaking zero-emissions vessel concept. Ponant has also deployed optimised LNG storage tanks using membrane technology normally found only on LNG carriers. Ponant sends scientific teams on its expedition ship to study climate change impacts.

Meanwhile, MSC Cruises is being recognised as it is in the vanguard of sustainable cruising through a diversified approach combining LNG, biofuels, fuel cells and methanol. It operated the industry’s first net-zero emissions voyage on its LNG-powered MSC Euribia, by offsetting with bioLNG. MSC is also pioneering eLNG produced from renewable energy and hydrogen. Its collaboration with Fincantieri on Explora I and Explora II will introduce hydrogen fuel cells to enable zero-emissions port stays.

The deadline to vote is August 29, please place your votes here