TUI Cruises is launching a new project with sustainability start-up Signol to reduce fuel consumption and thus CO2 emissions across the Mein Schiff fleet. For the first time, technical measures will be systematically supplemented by the human factor, as the focus is on changing the behaviour of the crew – especially the captains and chief engineers. As part of the 2030 sustainability strategy, the project will initially run for six months.

Signol combines advanced data analysis with behavioural research to identify ways to save fuel during daily tasks. Thanks to data from digital logbooks and performance monitoring tools, fuel-saving measures on board can be modelled in greater detail and with greater accuracy than previously possible. Overall, Signol identified four operational processes with the greatest potential for fuel savings, such as ensuring punctual departures to minimise avoidable engine running times. These fuel-saving opportunities, also known as ‘behaviours’, were defined and calculated based on detailed insights into the specific operations of cruise ships. The results of the analysis, tailored to daily cruise operations, are communicated directly to the crew via a web app and by email.

To further increase motivation to implement the fuel-saving measures, the project focuses on personalised savings targets for each crew member based on their previous behaviour. In addition, TUI Cruises donates to an environmental project for each savings target achieved – for example, to the Greek organisation Enaleia, which fishes plastic waste out of the sea and recycles it.

The project was launched last year at an officers' conference where captains and chief engineers shared personal experiences and best practices for saving fuel on board. The change in crew behaviour has great potential and marks the next step in TUI Cruises' efforts to reduce CO2 emissions. The company already uses shore power, alternative fuels such as bio-LNG, and exhaust gas cleaning systems.