AmaWaterways has shared details on its continued efforts to explore new tools designed to enhance the sustainability of river cruising by minimizing fuel consumption. The river cruise line is committed to finding new ways to reduce its environmental footprint including the use of solar panels on board its ships, testing navigation assistance tools to optimize fuel consumption, the reduction of paper on board through MyAmaCruise app and tackling food waste.
Operating sustainable, environmentally friendly ships is fundamental to AmaWaterways. 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 the low-emission generators run throughout the day. AmaMagna operates on a 10-engine diesel/electronic hybrid system that allows for less fuel usage and reduces noise levels. Even though the 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 percent depending on river conditions.
In 2019, AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina received the Green Award which recognizes ships in Europe for their quality, safety and environmental performance. Since then, another 19 river cruise ships in the line’s European fleet have earned the certification. This year, AmaMagna will welcome a new feature: Solar panels on the awnings of select staterooms which will reduce fuel consumption related to heating and cooling systems. 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 percent.
Since its creation more than 20 years ago, AmaWaterways says it has focused on connecting with the communities visited and making a positive impact through employment opportunities as well as using local service providers whenever possible. AmaWaterways is also the sponsor of the ODA Free Village English School in Siem Reap, Cambodia, established in 2011, as well as a financial support to Kliptown Youth Program in Johannesburg, South Africa, offering academic tutoring and arts programs to help enable local youth to rise out of poverty.
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