AmaWaterways has released details of its efforts to explore new tools to enhance the sustainability of river cruising.

The river cruise line intends to boost its use of solar panels on board its ships and test navigation assistance tools to optimise fuel consumption.

It is also reducing the use of paper on board through the MyAmaCruise app.

The line has replaced breakfast and lunch buffets with full service a la carte menus, which is expected to “reduce food waste by up to 30 per cent”, a statement said.

Sustainability ‘top’ priority for AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways co-founder and president Rudi Schreiner said: “Sustainability is the top and ever-present responsibility of every company in the travel industry.

“Each of our ships and every itinerary we operate is thoughtfully designed to minimise fuel consumption but the impact we have on the local communities is also of utmost importance to us.

“We are currently building our two newest ships in Colombia and are proud to be working hand in hand with local architects, designers and suppliers to ensure we are not only properly incorporating and honouring this beautiful destinations’ natural resources and culture but also enhancing the lives of the local residents along the Magdalena.”

Co-founder and executive vice-president Kristin Karst added: “From the design of our ships to the green measures we’ve taken on board and shoreside, AmaWaterways continues to explore new ways to enhance our efforts in sustainable tourism.”

In 2019, AmaWaterways’ AmaKristina was the first river cruise ship in the industry to receive the Green Award, which recognises ships in Europe for their quality, safety and environmental performance.

Since then, another 19 river cruise ships in the line’s European fleet have earned the Green Award certification.