SeaDream Yacht Club pioneers shore power adoption in cruise industry, achieving crucial sustainability milestone.
- Both vessels, SeaDream I and II, retrofitted to use shore power, marking an industry first among luxury cruise lines.
- Shore power allows ships to connect to local grids at ports, significantly reducing emissions and noise pollution.
- The $10 million investment also included significant upgrades to staterooms and public areas across the fleet.
- Ships are poised to operate in the Mediterranean and later the Caribbean, showcasing commitment to sustainable travel.
SeaDream Yacht Club has made a significant leap towards sustainable cruising by implementing shore power technology across its fleet. This initiative marks an industry first for a luxury cruise line, as both SeaDream I and SeaDream II have been upgraded to harness energy from land-based grids while docked. This advancement allows the ships to discontinue engine use in port, effectively minimising emissions and noise pollution, and aligning with broader environmental goals.
In a strategic move, this notable retrofitting was completed during a shipyard session in Lisbon for SeaDream I, while SeaDream II received similar enhancements at the end of the previous year. The project, which demanded over $10 million in investments, underscores an ambition to position the company at the forefront of eco-friendly travel solutions. This comprehensive upgrade effort not only included the installation of shore power connectivity but also saw substantial refurbishments to staterooms, public areas, and open deck spaces. The dual focus on sustainability and luxury reflects SeaDream’s commitment to providing environmentally responsible yet indulgent travel experiences.
The adoption of shore power technology aligns with SeaDream’s operational philosophy of leaving minimal ecological footprints in the destinations it visits. This responsibility towards the environment is echoed in the sentiments of the executive vice-president, Andreas Brynestad, who regards this development as a ‘significant step’ in advancing sustainable cruising practices. Brynestad further emphasised the importance of positively impacting the communities and regions visited by the line’s voyages, thereby fostering a culture of sustainable and conscientious travel among guests and staff alike.
Looking ahead, SeaDream’s vessels are set to navigate the Mediterranean waters this summer, subsequently transitioning to the Caribbean for the 2024-25 winter season. These itineraries not only promise to bring travellers to exquisite locales but also demonstrate SeaDream’s progressive approach towards minimising the environmental impact inherent in cruise operations.
SeaDream Yacht Club’s integration of shore power is a critical advancement in sustainable cruising.
