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The AIDAprima has "successfully completed" its first full test run in Hamburg for liquefied natural gas (LNG) operation, parent company Carnival Corporation reports.

The new cruise ship, which was officially inaugurated on May 7, can be operated with low-emission and environmentally friendly LNG whilst in port.

Compared to the use of conventional marine diesel with a maximum sulphur content of 0.1 percent, emissions and particle discharge will be significantly reduced by using LNG. The emission of sulphur oxide and soot particles will be completely prevented. Nitrogen oxide emissions will be reduced by up to 80 percent and carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent.

The AIDAprima is the world's first cruise ship that can be operated on LNG whilst in port, thus leading to a major reduction in emissions when docked.

Last month, Shell was named as an exclusive strategic partner of AIDA Cruises for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the AIDAprima and its sister ship AIDAperla.

At all the ports along its route, AIDAprima can be operated with LNG while docked at port. As the exclusive strategic partner of AIDA Cruises, Shell is to supply the vessel with LNG by truck at these locations.

The preparations and initial permit procedures for the port of Rotterdam are said to be already well underway. For Southampton, Le Havre, and Zeebrugge authorities have already given their approval.

"We believe in LNG as being the cleanest fossil fuel!" remarked Felix Eichhorn, President AIDA Cruises. "With AIDAprima, we are the first cruise line in the world to supply a ship with low-emission LNG for operation in port, and we are once again proving that we are pioneers of innovation. I am convinced that our path is also a clear signal to the ports and LNG producers to invest in the necessary infrastructure," continued Eichhorn.

"With the next generation of ships that will be put into service in 2019/2020, AIDA will go one step further. Under the concept of "Green Cruising" they will be operated with 100 percent low-emission LNG," added Carnival.