CLIA members commit to pursue net...

Liquefied Natural Gas fuel, advanced wastewater treatment systems and shore-side power capability are part of the solution

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its 2021 Environmental Technologies and Practices Inventory and Oxford Economics Environmental Report.

The report, which demonstrates the industry’s commitment to responsible tourism practices and continued progress on the development and implementation of new environmental technologies, is published as CLIA ocean-going members commit to pursuing net carbon neutral cruising by 2050.

“While cruise has been one of the sectors most acutely impacted by the global pandemic, cruise lines remain at the forefront of the challenge to develop new environmental technologies which benefit the entire shipping industry,” said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. “Our industry is committed to pursuing net carbon neutral cruising by 2050, and CLIA and our ocean-going members are investing in new technologies and cleaner fuels now to realise this ambition.”

For the first time, the OE Environmental Report also addresses the challenge posed by the need for new, alternative fuels and the steps the industry is taking to support progress. Specifically, over three-quarters of the global cruise fleet by passenger capacity is now equipped to use alternative fuels.

Alternative fuel sources to heavy fuel oils being developed include biodiesel, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and electric batteries. The report notes that there remain engineering, supply and regulatory hurdles before the large-scale adoption of such fuels can take place, but the cruise industry’s growing investment in new ships is facilitating the research and development of these fuels.

“This report shows that the cruise industry is resilient, innovative and focused on the future,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, chairman of CLIA Global. “We know that there is more to be done but the cruise industry has shown both its commitment and its capability to rise to the challenge. The cruise industry is an enabler of green maritime innovation, which will be the key to the decarbonization of shipping. This is why CLIA has joined other maritime organisations to propose a US$5 billion IMO research and development fund to accelerate the development of zero GHG fuels and propulsion technologies.”

The report notes that CLIA ocean-going cruise lines continue to make substantial progress across a range of areas:

Shore-side Power Capability – Cruise lines continue to make significant investments for cruise ships to connect to shoreside electricity, thus allowing engines to be switched off in port. While significant investment in portside infrastructure will be required, there are many collaborations between cruise lines, ports and local authorities to increase the availability.
- 82% of the new build capacity is either committed to being fitted with shore-side electricity capability or will be configured to add shore-side power in the future.
- 35% of global capacity (up 2.3% since 2020) are fitted to operate on shore-side electricity in the 14 ports worldwide where that capability is provided in at least one berth.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – The most environmentally friendly energy source, 52% of new-build capacity will rely on LNG fuel for primary propulsion, a 3% increase in overall capacity compared to 2020.

Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS) – More than 76% of global capacity utilises EGCS to meet or exceed air emissions requirements, representing an increase in capacity of 7% compared to 2020. Additionally, 94% of non-LNG new builds will have EGCS installed, in line with the already high historical level of investments.

Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems – 100% of new ships on order are specified to have advanced wastewater treatment systems and, currently, 74% of the CLIA ocean-going cruise line fleet capacity is served by advanced wastewater treatment systems (an increase of 4% over 2020).

CLIA member cruise lines have committed to a 40% reduction in the rate of carbon emissions across the global fleet by 2030, compared to 2008, consistent with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) carbon intensity reduction level of ambition.

For more information, visit https://cruising.org/en/environmental-sustainability