Article in the Sonntagszeitung “Neue Motoren, neue Treibstoffe” about the journey to decarbonisation.
The journey to decarbonisation is not a straightforward one—but at UNITED WATERWAYS, we see it as an opportunity to redefine the future of river cruising.
In a recent interview with Sonntagszeitung, Dr. Sascha Gill, CEO of UNITED WATERWAYS, discusses the challenges and opportunities of making river cruise operations greener, from alternative fuels to energy efficiency measures. “Every new build pushes energy efficiency forward,” says Gill, but the path to true sustainability requires systemic transformation.
The European climate targets demand a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, with full climate neutrality by 2050. This means that every sector, including river cruising, must evolve—embracing clean energy solutions, alternative fuels, and smarter ship design.
Our Vision and the Road Ahead:
- Shore Power & Batteries:
Future-ready ports will need to provide shore power, and advancements in battery storage will play a critical role. However, as Dr. Gill points out, “With current batteries, engines still need to run at 80% capacity.” The limited energy storage remains a challenge. - Biofuels as a Transition Solution:
Ships are beginning to use biofuels made from waste materials, offering a viable alternative. But as Dr. Gill notes, “It is still unclear whether there will be enough biofuels globally to replace fossil fuels everywhere.” - Hydrogen & Synthetic Fuels:
While promising, these alternatives require major infrastructure changes. As Dr. Gill remarks, “Waterborne hydrogen fuel cells are not yet efficient enough.” - Efficiency as a Game Changer:
Beyond fuels, smarter solutions—such as reducing energy consumption per passenger—will be decisive. Options like slower cruising speeds and optimised itineraries will play an increasing role in balancing sustainability with operational efficiency.
UNITED WATERWAYS is at the forefront of this transition. Through strategic investments, partnerships and operational innovation, we are committed to leading the industry towards a sustainable future.
As Dr. Gill summarises, “The energy transition will demand significant efforts from the river cruise industry over the next few years.” While challenges remain, we are actively shaping the solutions that will define the next generation of river cruising. The transformation is already underway. And together—with shipbuilders, regulators, and operators—our industry will find the answers to propel river cruising into a cleaner, more sustainable era.
Read the whole article:
Sonntagszeitung 26 January 2025: Neue Motoren, neue Treibstoffe