As the "Lady of the Lake" is readied for its 110th birthday next Tuesday, owner RealNZ was continuing to investigate alternative fuel sources, and has narrowed the options down to three.
A year ago, the company announced it would look into decarbonisation options for the Earnslaw, due to the environmental implications of continuing to power the twin-screw steamer (TSS) with coal, and the need for the original boilers to be replaced in the coming years.
Chief executive Stephen England-Hall said RealNZ was committed to keeping Earnslaw as a steam-powered ship, and retaining the TSS classification, but would be changing the fuel source to either wood pellets, biofuel (diesel or gas) or hydrogen.
While there was an established supply chain for wood pellets, as yet there were no commercially-established supply chain options for biofuels or hydrogen.
Because it was expected that would change in future, the options remained on the table, he said.
Once RealNZ had settled on the fuel choice, the engineering team would work through the details and timing for the change.
"We’re incredibly excited to have three alternative fuel solutions for the Lady of the Lake," Mr England-Hall said.
"But this is where much of the real work begins, especially when it comes to the confidence of supply of these cleaner fuel sources in New Zealand. Our team is having some frank conversations with various stakeholders.
"These are solutions that we must work on together as a region and a country so we can all move towards a more sustainable future."
Meanwhile, the Earnslaw will celebrate the anniversary of its maiden voyage on Lake Wakatipu on Tuesday with a special morning cruise carrying some of its biggest supporters, while RealNZ will plant a native tree at Walter Peak for every guest who takes a ride between Monday and next Sunday.
