In Ireland, Manifold Times reports Dublin Bay Cruises announced it had transitioned to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil fuel for its passenger ship St. Bridget, becoming Ireland’s first domestic passenger ship operator to adopt the sustainable fuel.
The initiative involved remanufacturing St. Bridget’s engines, cutting emissions by up to 90% and exceeding EU and Irish climate targets. “Recently Dublin Bay Cruises faced a crucial decision—whether to invest in a larger vessel for increased passenger numbers or to reconsider our approach and focus on sustainability,” said Managing Director Eugene Garrihy. “We chose the latter.”
As part of the transition, the company avoided waste by adapting existing infrastructure rather than building a new vessel, aligning with Ireland’s Circular Economy Policy. Additional upgrades include onboard solar panels and other green technologies to improve energy efficiency.
Operating within UNESCO’s Dublin Bay Biosphere, Dublin Bay Cruises has partnered with Failte Ireland’s “Climate Action Programme” and local conservation groups to support biodiversity and protect the marine ecosystem.
The company plans for St. Bridget to continue passenger service for another decade, with substantially reduced emissions compared to its previous operations.
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Tags: Dublin Bay Cruises, HVO, Ireland
Category: Sustainable Marine Fuels
