Innovation & Sustainability

Forward-thinking Innovation

Just imagine: your boat glides almost silently through the water, surrounded by unspoilt nature. All you can hear are the waves and the wind. And you only need to refuel half as often. Sound like a dream? But it’s already a reality today – thanks to innovations from the shipping industry!

Isn’t the industry supposed to be conservative!? Not at all! Whilst others are still debating climate targets, the future is already being built here.

The “Sustainable Shipping Technologies Forum” at LEC Graz shows that the future of shipping is shaped by alternative fuels and smart systems. For river cruisers, such as those operated by United Waterways, the fuels available in their operating areas are crucial. In Scandinavia, river cruisers are already running fully on electricity – and in the Mediterranean, hybrid systems using methanol or hydrogen are setting new standards. No soot, no noise and no compromise on the pleasure of sailing.

The ViaDonau team is proving that even tugs in the middle of the Danube can operate in a climate-neutral way. To this end, it uses digital tools to select the right propulsion system for the Bad Deutsch-Altenburg tug. As with river cruisers, this comes down to an electric-methanol hybrid system – climate-neutral and powerful.

What does this mean for us boaters? 30% lower fuel costs and more space thanks to compact generators. Using solar power or wind energy, your boat can charge itself in 2–4 days whilst moored at the jetty or berth. So sustainability brings added luxury. The car industry has already proven it: electric drives are not only cleaner and more fun, but in the first models, electric drives are already cheaper than combustion engines. Why should it be any different for your boat?

Thanks to Volvo Penta, Mercury & Co, you’ll soon be able to experience for yourself what is currently being tested in commercial shipping. This means you’ll get tried-and-tested systems – with greater comfort, less noise, future-proofed and at attractive prices.

What would you like for your boat of the future? Greater range? Zero emissions? Write to us and we’ll show you which solutions are already available today: hello@alba-innovations.com.