Dublin Bay Cruises on Wednesday (22 January) announced the launch of its eco-friendly initiative by moving from fossil fuels to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in their existing passenger ship St. Bridget.
The company said it is now the first domestic passenger ship operator in Ireland to adopt this sustainable practice aimed at reducing environmental impact while enhancing the marine experience for visitors.
In adapting the Circular Economy Policy they have remanufactured the engines of St Bridget, making her more fuel-efficient, and dramatically reducing emissions. By doing this, instead of building from scratch, they not only reduced waste but also took a major step toward a greener future.
This change will reduce emissions by up to 90%, which will exceed the climate targets set by the EU and Ireland. This thoughtful investment underscores Dublin Bay Cruises’ commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable tourism.
“Recently Dublin Bay Cruises faced a crucial decision—whether to invest in a larger vessel for increased passenger numbers or to reconsider our approach and focus on sustainability,” said founder and Managing Director Eugene Garrihy.
“After careful thought, we chose the latter. Our choice reflects not just a business decision, but a responsibility to the environment and the future of our coastal communities. We need to slow things down.”
Garrihy added: “We are deeply aware of the privilege and responsibility we have to operate in UNESCOs Dublin Bay Biosphere, one of the most beautiful marine environments in the world. This initiative is a reflection of our commitment to preserving Dublin Bay for future generations while still providing our customers with an unforgettable and sustainable marine experience,”
The transition includes substantial investments in reducing carbon emissions, improving energy efficiency onboard with solar panels, and incorporating green technologies into its daily operations. Dublin Bay Cruises has also partnered with Failte Ireland’s “Climate Action Programme” and with local marine conservation groups to support biodiversity and the protection of the rich marine life found in Dublin Bay.
Being the first domestic passenger ship in Ireland to take this important step is not just a milestone for Dublin Bay Cruises, but also hopefully an encouragement for others working in tourism industries to take the leap and follow suit in safeguarding Ireland’s natural heritage.
The company added St. Bridget will now continue to serve as a passenger ship for at least another decade, with far fewer emissions than before.
Photo credit: Dublin Bay Cruises
Published: 23 January, 2025
