AmaWaterways has shared details on efforts to enhance the sustainability of river cruising by minimizing fuel consumption, reducing paper and food waste and using solar energy.
''Sustainability is the top and ever-present responsibility of every company in the travel industry,'' said Rudi Schreiner, AmaWaterways co-founder and president.
"Each of our ships and every itinerary we operate is thoughtfully designed to minimize fuel consumption but the impact we have on the local communities is also of utmost importance to us.
Rendering of the new purpose-built AmaMagdalena, currently under construction in Colombia. (photo via AmaWaterways) ((photo via AmaWaterways))"We are currently building our two newest ships in Colombia and are proud to be working hand in hand with local architects, designers and suppliers to ensure we are not only properly incorporating and honouring this beautiful destinations' natural resources and culture but also enhancing the lives of the local residents along the Magdalena River as many of these communities will be opening up to international visitors for the first time."
In 2019, AmaWaterways' AmaKristina was the first river cruise ship in the industry to receive the prestigious Green Award which recognizes ships in Europe for their quality, safety and environmental performance. Since then, another 19 ships in AmaWaterways' European fleet have earned the Green Award certification.
AmaMagna sails the Danube (AmaWaterways)
This year, the double-wide AmaMagna will welcome a brand-new feature: solar panels on the awnings of select staterooms which will reduce fuel consumption related to heating and cooling of staterooms.
A new River Track Pilot navigation system is also being tested on several ships to further optimize fuel use based on riverbed configuration and current conditions.
Additionally, AmaWaterways is tackling the growing concern on food waste and has replaced breakfast and lunch buffets with full service a la carte menus which is expected to reduce food waste by up to 30%, while providing a higher level of service for guests.
While operating sustainable, environmentally friendly ships is fundamental to AmaWaterways, both Zambezi Queen and AmaMagna go above and beyond with eco-friendly features.
Zambezi Queen, which explores the Chobe River in Africa, uses a five-stage water purification plant, employing river water in the showers and tap aboard. The ship's water jet propulsion system replaces a conventional system, ensuring there is no damage to the riverbed.
Throughout the night, the ship operates on battery power and only low-emission generators run throughout the day. AmaMagna operates on a 10-engine diesel/electronic hybrid system, a first for the river cruise industry, that allows for less fuel usage and reduces noise levels. Even though the revolutionary ship is twice the width of traditional river cruise ships, this new configuration of the engines is capable of reducing fuel consumption by up to 20% depending on river conditions.
AmaKristina (AmaKristina)"From the design of our ships to the green measures we've taken on board and shoreside, AmaWaterways continues to explore new ways to enhance our efforts in sustainable tourism," said Kristin Karst, co-founder and EVP.
"It has always been essential to us to protect the waterways we sail upon and enhance the communities we visit. We are proud of our Green Awards and we will keep building each new ship and itinerary with sustainability and community enrichment in mind."
Topics From This Article to Explore
