The cruise industry’s future rests on a groundbreaking sustainability study commissioned by a leading trade body.
- This initiative aims to align the cruise sector with ambitious environmental goals for 2030 and beyond.
- Industry leaders emphasise the need for increased production and use of sustainable marine fuels.
- The collaboration of various stakeholders is deemed crucial for a successful transition.
- Research outcomes are poised to redefine cruise operations on a global scale.
The cruise industry is at a crossroads, and its future direction is being shaped by a comprehensive study commissioned to ensure sustainability in line with international goals. This significant research, initiated by the Cruise Lines International Association (Clia), aims to comprehend and cater to the industry’s real-time energy demands, infrastructure requirements, and comply with regulatory standards through 2050. The goal is to set a sustainable course that aligns with both the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) 2030 and 2050 environmental goals.
As the cruise industry seeks to embrace sustainable solutions, it has become imperative for governments to support this transition. During a recent summit in Genoa, global cruise industry leaders called for enhanced production of synthetic and biofuels, highlighting that 44,000 tonnes of sustainable marine fuels are required in Europe by 2025 to meet the European Union’s decarbonisation targets for 2030. They have urged that the financial gains from the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme be reinvested into creating the infrastructure necessary to enable the transition.
The collaborative efforts between the cruise industry and governmental bodies are deemed essential by Royal Caribbean Group’s CEO and Clia’s global chair, Jason Liberty, who advocates for affordable, scalable, and accessible sustainable marine fuels. He underscores the importance of working together with ports, governments, and communities as the sector moves toward a green transition.
The commissioned study is set to provide a holistic view of the cruise industry’s future requirements globally, covering areas outside Europe as well. It seeks to present a clear picture of the current status and prospects of fuel infrastructure development over the next decade, with final results expected by early 2025. Conducted by the Italian marine engineering firm Rina, the research will scrutinize global cruise market itineraries, fuel selection, propulsion options, and the greenhouse gas regulatory frameworks that influence design and operations.
A critical focus of the study is the impact of cruise ship itineraries and operations, which will assess various energy carriers for both navigation and port use. By evaluating fuel bunkering, onshore power capability, and estimating the energy volume and infrastructure required to achieve decarbonisation targets, the study is poised to offer vital insights.
To date, there are 55 cruise ships on order, corresponding to an investment of €33.9 billion over the next five years, with 36 equipped for liquefied natural gas (LNG) usage and seven designed to be methanol-ready. More than 70% of Clia-member ships are projected to have shoreside power availability by 2028, marking a significant shift towards sustainability in maritime travel.
The commissioned study is expected to guide the cruise industry’s sustainable journey well into the future, establishing a new standard for environmental stewardship.
