Hapag-Lloyd Cruises Equips Zodiacs With Eco-Friendly Electric Motors

hapg-lloyd cruises

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has announced that the line has upgraded the Zodiacs onboard its expedition ships Hanseatic and Bremen with new, eco-friendly electric motors. Hapag-Lloyd said that the introduction of the "Deep Blue" electric motors from German manufacturer Torqeedo represents the first use of this technology on expedition cruises. 

The Zodiacs make it possible for Hapag-Lloyd guests to land in otherwise inaccessible areas while on Amazon or Arctic cruises. After a one-year pilot phase in which the electric motors were tested on Zodiacs on board the Hanseatic and the Bremen, parts of the rubber boats of both ships were equipped, bit by bit, with the new motors. 

As a full propulsion system, “Deep Blue” features an electric motor and all other components required to propel the boat – from the lithium battery to the on-board computer. Unlike outboards with combustion motors, electric propulsion systems do not release any emissions, or harmful substances into the water, Hapag-Lloyd said. This quality will help to protect the vulnerable waters in which excursions take place. The motors also cause no smells and are considerably quieter than the previous motors. 

Visit www.hl-cruises.com