Dublin Bay Cruises Shows Commitment To Sustainable Tourism With HVO-Powered Vessel
In a landmark move for sustainable tourism in Ireland, Dublin Bay Cruises, a member of the Sustainable Tourism Network, has become the first domestic sea-based passenger excursion operator in the country to adopt Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a fuel alternative to marine diesel. This bold step marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to reducing emissions and protecting Ireland’s marine environment.
A Greener Future for Irish Waters
The company’s flagship vessel, the St. Bridget, has undergone a full engine remanufacture to run on HVO, a renewable diesel alternative that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90%. Rather than investing in a new vessel, Dublin Bay Cruises chose to retrofit the existing 100-seat ship—originally built in 1978—demonstrating a strong commitment to the circular economy and waste reduction.
The initiative was officially launched by Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers, who praised the company’s leadership in climate action. Founder and Managing Director Eugene Garrihy highlighted the importance of prioritising sustainability over expansion:
“We faced a crucial choice—whether to invest in a larger vessel or focus on sustainability. We chose the latter. It’s not just a business decision, but a responsibility to the environment and the future of our coastal communities.”
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Beyond Fuel: A Holistic Approach To Sustainability
In addition to switching to HVO, Dublin Bay Cruises has integrated solar panels and other green technologies to further reduce its environmental footprint. The company is also actively involved in Fáilte Ireland’s Climate Action Programme and collaborates with local marine conservation groups to promote responsible tourism.
By choosing innovation over expansion, Dublin Bay Cruises is proving that environmental responsibility and business success can go hand in hand.
