Travel News April/May 2022


Hurtigruten Announces Plans For New Sustainability Initiative


The Norwegian Coastal Express’ route from Bergen


to Kirkenes is an ideal starting point for the development of zero emission passenger ships.


H


URTIGRUTEN Norwegian Coastal Express has partnered with research organisation SINTEF to create zero emission ships for the Norwegian coast, with the first ready to sail by 2030. Hurtigruten Group CEO Daniel Skjeldam commented, “We are excited to announce our most ambitious sustainability initiative to date; creating solutions for zero emission passenger ships, using the Norwegian coast as the ideal case. Our ambition is to sail an emission-free Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express ship by 2030.” The company is currently upgrading its existing


fleet through what is one of the biggest environmental upgrade programs of it’s kind in Europe, that will see CO2-emissions cut by 25% and NOx by 80%. The company aims to be a leader in sustainable travel, and Hurtigruten Norway CEO Hedda Felin makes it clear that the goal is zero emissions. “We have built our last fossil fueled ship for the Norwegian Coastal Express. When we sail the coastal route for the next 100 years, it will be emission-free, making the world’s most beautiful voyage even more spectacular,” said Hedda Felin. The Norwegian coast as an ideal case


“We as a group have ships sailing all over the world, and we see that the Norwegian coast is an ideal location for this kind of game changing project, where we can benefit from the innovative Norwegian expertise in green shipping,” added Skjeldam. Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express holds a unique position along the coast as it stops at 34 ports, which means there’s strong opportunities to use future infrastructure for green energy, and several ports plan to expand shore power connectivity. Norway’s strong research and maritime industry and political willingness to support green shipping are positive factors that make the Norwegian coast a perfect fit for this type of initiative.


Research institute SINTEF on board The Norwegian research institute SINTEF is on


board from the start. SINTEF is one of Europe’s largest independent research organisations, which holds the world’s leading professional environments within green maritime technology and energy systems. “With this project, Hurtigruten Norway and SINTEF can show the world that green and sustainable passenger ships can be achieved in the near future. Cutting emissions in the maritime sector is by no means an easy feat, and we need ambitious companies


like Hurtigruten Norway to take initiatives like this,” said SINTEF President Alexandra Bech Gjørv. The project includes all aspects of a new ship build program, from design, propulsion, energy and fuel to hotel operations and digital solutions. The goal is that the new ships will be emission-free to both air and sea, and sustainable from a circular economy perspective. As a partner, SINTEF will provide analysis, research and development. In the next phase, leading maritime industry partners


will be invited to participate in taking the project further towards development and qualification of innovative green ship designs and technologies. “Zero-emission fuels and power systems is an obvious


focus area for the project. However, the availability, production cost and energy density of such fuels will require massive cuts in energy usage as well, making energy-efficiency the probable main challenge,” said Johnsen. “We are proud to partner with SINTEF Ocean


to pioneer the new solutions needed. In order to transform high ambitions into actual results, coupling our knowledge of the coast with SINTEF’s expertise is a key factor,” said Hurtigruten Norway CEO Hedda Felin. For more information on Hurtigruten, please visit https://www.hurtigruten.co.uk/


SUSTAINABILITY 25


AND Sustainable Giants – Green Tourism Network Launched!


RDS and North Down Borough Council has launched the AND Sustainable Giants - Green Tourism Network which will enable the Council, in partnership with local tourism


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tourism within the Borough. The aim of the network is to make a giant difference in the area of green tourism in Ards and North Down by further developing sustainability and green practices within the local industry. The group comprises of 11 local businesses: Castle Espie, Indie Füde, NI Food Tours, The Walled Garden at Helen’s Bay, Clandeboye Estate, Strangford Lough Activity Centre, SUP Hub NI, Mobile Team Adventure, Princetown Guesthouse, The Salty Dog Hotel and Bistro, and Sustainable Journeys Ireland. All of the members are committed to sustainability and practice it in their everyday business. Sustainable tourism is growing in importance with more and more eco-minded visitors keen to make responsible choices and the Council-led initiative will allow local tourism businesses to position themselves at the forefront of green practices.


providers, to promote sustainable


The Council and the group will work together to enhance their own sustainability, create more opportunities and further develop the green offering to visitors. The group will also collaborate to create sustainable experiences, share best practice and promote the Borough as a sustainable tourism destination. Commenting on the initiative, Lorraine


Small from The Walled Garden at Helen’s Bay said: “Sustainability is about working together to think about the impact of our actions and being conscious of the small things we can change or reduce to preserve our environment for future generations. Being part of AND Sustainable Giants will give me the opportunity to collaborate to ensure the best for this beautiful part of the world.” Paul Stewart, Castle Espie Wetland Centre,


Etihad Airways New ‘Sustainability50’ Airbus Jets Off On Inaugural Flight


ETIHAD Airways have unveiled its new Airbus A350- 1000, registration A6-XWB, on a special inaugural commercial flight from Abu Dhabi to Paris. The aircraft is the first A350 to be operated by a UAE airline, and the first of five A350s set to join Etihad’s fleet over the coming months. The first flight departed Abu Dhabi for Paris


Charles de Gaulle at 7.30am with a delegation including diplomatic dignitaries, Etihad and Airbus representatives, media, trade partners and other VIPs. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, commented “The Airbus A350 is an absolutely incredible aircraft, and we are proud to introduce it into the Etihad Airways network today. Our teams have worked closely together to craft a product and travel proposition that will ensure every journey with Etihad is a choice well made – both for our guests and for the planet. With highly efficient fuel consumption and CO2 savings, the A350 will support our goals to reduce carbon emissions and deliver an unmatched flight experience for our guests.” Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East, added “Etihad Airways has been a long-standing partner of Airbus in the UAE and we are excited to continue our collaboration. The A350-1000 is setting new standards of air travel, offering unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and emissions. This marks the start of a promising new chapter for the UAE’s aviation sector, led by innovation and a commitment to sustainability. We look forward to many more years of partnership and working together to support Etihad Airways expand its network through our most technologically advanced and efficient aircraft.” Sustainability50 The aircraft, named Sustainability50, carries a


unique livery in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the federation of the UAE and Etihad’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It will join the airline’s industry-leading sustainability drive as part of a programme aimed at decarbonising aviation. Formed as a partnership between Etihad, Airbus and Rolls Royce in 2021, the Sustainability50 programme


will see Etihad’s A350s used as flying testbeds of new initiatives, procedures and technologies to reduce carbon emissions, building on the learnings derived from Etihad’s similar Greenliner programme for the Boeing B787 aircraft type.


The Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-powered Airbus


A350 is one of the most efficient aircraft types in the world, with 25% less fuel burn and CO2 emissions than previous-generation twin aisle aircraft. Etihad recently established a formal framework with Airbus to collaborate on sustainability across a number of areas including the promotion and commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuel, waste and weight management, and the development of data- driven analysis.


“We designed our sustainability programme as a


vehicle for collaboration, and our strategic partnership with Airbus allows us to harness the sustainability credentials of the A350 through the Sustainability50 programme, as we work towards our joint objectives to reduce aviation’s impact on the environment,” said Douglas. Network The airline’s new A350-1000s will be deployed on a


number of short to mid-range routes in Q2, including Mumbai and Delhi, before being introduced on ultra- long-haul operations to Chicago and New York from July.


Guest Experience The aircraft features Etihad’s newest cabin interior


which is inspired by Abu Dhabi and is both more efficient and sustainable in design. Etihad is renowned for high-quality aircraft, and the A350 is filled with thoughtful design details providing exceptional comfort and enhanced privacy. Etihad’s signature lighting design is inspired by the


shadows cast by Abu Dhabi’s palm trees. The cabin lighting emulates natural ambient light and is designed to enhance the guest experience, provide an optimum environment for sleeping and reduce the effects of jetlag. The Airbus A350 also offers the quietest cabin experience for a wide-body aircraft. Another feature to help reduce light pollution, and


therefore jetlag, is the new dark-mode interface on the E-BOX inflight entertainment system. Mobile and Wi- Fi connectivity is also available throughout the aircraft. Etihad’s ‘Little VIP’ younger guests will enjoy the


newly launched Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi themed family-friendly flying experience and a special feature on this aircraft is the new interactive flight map feature which means children can explore the maps with the help of some Jurassic-age friends. Business class


The elevated Business class is home to 44 Business Studios with sliding doors that provide a high level of privacy to each suite. Every seat faces forward with direct aisle access. The Business class seat, with a width of over 20”, converts into a fully-flat bed of 79” in length, and features ample storage for convenience. Noise-cancelling headphones and an 18.5” TV


screen provide a cinematic experience to enjoy Etihad’s extensive inflight entertainment offering. The Business seats cleverly feature a built-in wireless charging dock and Bluetooth headphone pairing. Business class guests can choose from a carefully


curated à la carte menu, and guests on longer flights can enjoy Etihad’s signature ‘dine anytime’ service. Economy class Etihad’s spacious Economy cabin is configured


with 327 smart seats in a 3-3-3 arrangement, of which 45 ‘Economy Space’ seats have been enhanced with an additional 4 inches of legroom. The Crystal Cabin Award-winning seats were selected after extensive customer trials by Etihad and based on their comfort and sustainability credentials. The seats feature Etihad’s signature supportive headrest, USB charging and Bluetooth headphone pairing, as well as a 13.3” inch screen to enjoy Etihad’s award-winning inflight entertainment system. Guests receive blankets and pillows for additional


comfort and amenity kits on longer flights, as well as enjoying complimentary dining and beverages served by Etihad’s award-winning cabin crew. For more information, please visit https://www. etihad.com/


said: “The natural capital in the Ards and North Down Council area plays a central role in tourism economy here and as a nature conservation charity we are proud to be part of the Council’s AND Sustainable Giants – Green Tourism Network. Environmental sustainability and the sustainability of the tourism economy are interlinked. The umbrella group provides its members with the opportunity to work together, share ideas and develop the suitability credentials of businesses and attractions in the area for the benefit of people and planet.” Sharon Mahaffy, Tourism Manager, Ards and North Down Borough Council commented: “The Council’s Tourism team is delighted to be supporting the Borough’s tourism providers who are leading the way in sustainable tourism. By establishing this network, we are able to facilitate collaboration between network members who have a specific focus on sustainable tourism. We hope that activity such as this will help meet the needs of tourists, the tourism industry and the local community, now and in the future.” Any local tourism providers who are committed to sustainability and would like to join AND Sustainable Giants can email Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Tourism Development Officer, Laura Johnston, at tourism.admin@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk. For more information, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com.


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