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Cruise Industry Accelerates Green Transition: Biofuels and LNG Lead the Way to Net Zero Cruise Industry Accelerates Green Transition: Biofuels and LNG Lead the Way to Net Zero

The cruise industry is rapidly transitioning towards a greener future, with biofuels and LNG playing key roles in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Understanding these sustainable initiatives will enable you to offer more responsible cruise options to your clients. Cruise industry giants are investing in cleaner fuels and technologies, showcasing their commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.

The global cruise industry has demonstrated its commitment to a sustainable future by investing in low-carbon renewable fuel alternatives, with biofuels  emerging as a key player in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Cruise lines are trialing biofuels and investing in LNG to power their fleets as part of their commitment to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. These ambitions are part of a broader movement to decarbonize the shipping industry and address its environmental impact.

Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, is at the forefront of this transformation, trialling biofuels and investing in LNG  to power its fleet. The company’s ambitious goal aligns with the broader industry push towards decarbonization. This commitment underscores their long-term vision for sustainable operations.

Royal Caribbean International  has invested heavily in sustainability through its comprehensive Destination Net Zero strategy, which includes introducing liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ships  and exploring fuel cell technology. The company’s new Icon Class ships utilize LNG and fuel cells to lower emissions dramatically. The cruise line has also focused on improving energy efficiency through advanced hull designs, air lubrication systems, and shore power capabilities.

Norwegian Cruise Line  has also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. As part of its Sail & Sustain programme, the cruise line is actively exploring the use of biofuels and investing in carbon offset initiatives. The company’s new Prima Class ships are designed to be 20% more energy efficient than their predecessors, incorporating cutting-edge energy-saving technologies.

MSC Cruises  has set ambitious targets under its Journey to Net Zero programme, investing in LNG-powered ships and is a frontrunner in testing hydrogen fuel cell technology. MSC World Europa, launched in 2022, is the first in its fleet to feature LNG propulsion and is designed to integrate future low-carbon fuels like bio-methane. They also partner with research institutions to develop scalable solutions for carbon capture and storage on its ships. They made history in 2023 with the cruise industry’s first-ever zero-emissions cruise, but it was without passengers and is not currently scalable.

Carnival  has ten LNG-capable ships  in operation, with plans to add six more by 2033, comprising nearly one-third of the company’s global fleet. LNG ships  are designed to be compatible with future fuels such as bio-methane and synthetic methane, which offers long-term flexibility. The Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal recently became the first cruise port in the region to offer LNG bunkering.

Biofuels, derived from organic sources, are seen as the best stop-gap solution in the absence of a true net-zero fuel source. Research suggests that biofuels can reduce lifecycle GHG emissions by up to 86% compared to conventional marine fuels and are compatible with existing ship engines. However, achieving widespread use of biofuels depends on overcoming challenges related to scalability, cost, and supply chain infrastructure.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)  has projected that the cruise industry will see a growing number of vessels adopting alternative fuels over the next five years. New ships currently in production are designed with the capability to integrate zero-carbon fuels as they become commercially available. Carnival Corporation is actively collaborating with various organizations to advance the development and availability of biofuels.

Since 2022, Carnival Corporation has conducted successful pilot programs using biofuels across several ships  in its global fleet including AIDAprima, Volendam, Rotterdam, and Carnival Magic. These trials have delivered promising results, demonstrating the potential of biofuels to significantly reduce emissions without compromising operational efficiency. They are also exploring ways to incorporate biofuels into their onshore activities.

Beyond fuels, Carnival Corporation is investing in technologies such as lithium-ion battery storage systems and Power Saver Packs to improve energy efficiency. Air lubrication systems (ALS)  have been installed on several ships, enabling them to glide through the water with less friction, reducing fuel consumption and emissions. They have also redesigned itineraries to minimise energy consumption. These operational changes are not only benefitting the environment, but also adding to the customer’s enjoyment of the cruise.

While biofuels and LNG provide immediate solutions, forward-thinking projects like Hurtigruten’s Sea Zero and Fincantieri’s nuclear feasibility study hint at a future where zero-emission cruising could become a reality. The small, Norwegian coastal cruise line Hurtigurten’s vessel, Sea Zero, is a proof-of-concept for net-zero operations, and is expected to launch in 2030. The Italian shipyard Fincantieri is also assessing the feasibility of reintroducing nuclear energy  into the cruise industry.

The cruise industry’s path to net-zero emissions is complex, but innovation continues to push boundaries. As the industry grapples with sustainability, the next decade will be crucial in determining whether today’s alternative fuels remain stepping stones or give way to entirely new propulsion systems that redefine the way cruise ships operate. This creates a sustainable option for travel professionals to promote with clients.