To decrease our impact on climate change we need to increase the share of renewable fuels and be more energy-efficient in driving boats and buses. Today, all buses in Sweden run on HVO and the ferry to Djurgården uses a fuel with 24% renewables.
Electric boats and buses
A key step is our action plan towards electrification of our boats and buses, which applies to the whole Stromma Group. In the Netherlands a total of twenty-one out of forty-eight boats are powered by clean energy already. Our goal is to have all boats in the Netherlands converted to electricity by 2025. In Denmark we have two electric boats so far and more conversion planned.
By training bus drivers and captains in eco-driving there is a large potential for decreasing fuel use. Also, through good planning of tours and speed.
Vattenfall and Stromma have entered into a partnership with the aim of electrifying part of Stromma’s boat fleet in several markets to ensure fossil-free operation. The first collaborative project will be the electrification of canal boats in Amsterdam, where Vattenfall supplies the battery system for emission-free operation.
Reducing fuel consumption for our boats
Our boats are our largest source of emissions. Therefore, we have reviewed the timetables for the boats to streamline and optimize our trips, thereby reducing fuel consumption. We have also corrected timetables so that vessels can run at optimal speed between bridges without creating delays. Furthermore, we have replaced large vessels with smaller ones when there are fewer travelers.
Stromma Sweden – Eco driving and more environmentally friendly fuels
- In June 2022, iHelm was installed on M/S Cinderella ll. IHelm is an AI tool that provides concrete insights regarding optimal operation and eco-driving so that the boat gets from point A to B on time with minimal fuel consumption. During the first eight months, a saving in fuel consumption of over 10% is made. This also reduces emissions significantly. As the iHelm platform is based on AI technology, it will improve during future runs, and the result will be greater fuel savings and reduced emissions.
- For all our sightseeing boats, we track individual operating hours at regular intervals to check fuel consumption per hour. Via the analyzer of the results, we learn to drive in a more fuel-efficient way. The goal is to reduce fuel consumption and emissions per hour.
- On the Paddanbåtarna we now use EcoPar fuel. EcoPar reduces emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by up to 50%. This means a lower impact on greenhouse gases and a reduced climate footprint. Emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are reduced by up to 60%. EcoPar is suitable in marine environments as it is non-toxic, odorless and biodegradable in nature.
- S/S Drottningholm and Rundan's sightseeing boats now run on 100% HVO100, which is a fossil-free fuel. It reduces CO2 emissions by 60–80%.