By
Alex Smith |
River cruise line AmaWaterways is introducing new tools in 2023 designed to enhance the sustainability of its fleet by minimising fuel consumption.
AmaMagna will introduce solar panels to AmaWaterways’ fleet for the first time in 2023. The panels will be situated on the awnings of select staterooms and will help provide power for the heating and cooling of staterooms, reducing related fuel consumption.
A new River Track Pilot navigation system is being tested on several ships to optimise fuel use based on riverbed configuration and current conditions. AmaWaterways is also tackling food waste by replacing breakfast and lunch buffets with full service a la carte menus, which is expected to reduce waste by up to 30 per cent.
“Sustainability is the top and ever-present responsibility of every company in the travel industry,’’ said Rudi Schreiner, co-founder and president of AmaWaterways. “Each of our ships and every itinerary we operate is thoughtfully designed to minimise fuel consumption but the impact we have on the local communities is also of utmost importance to us. 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.”