As we face a climate emergency, sustainability and taking care of our planet have become increasingly critical for all of us. We all want to do our bit, and cruise lines are no different. In fact, their contribution has been significant in the shipping industry, as they lead the way in developing sustainable environmental practices.
One major eco-friendly initiative is LNG gas. Below we explain what this is and how it is helping the cruise industry reduce its environmental impact.
What is LNG gas?
Cruise ships have pioneered the use of greener fuels, such as LNG or Liquefied Natural Gas, in the shipping industry. Compared to traditional marine diesel, LNG is one of the cleanest burning non-electric fuels and one of the best options for powering a cruise ship’s propellers while reducing its carbon footprint. According to the CLIA, LNG has almost zero sulphur emissions, a 95-100% reduction in particulate emissions, an 85% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, and up to a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. LNG fuel also benefits the cruise line itself. Operational costs are reduced, as when using it less maintenance is required.
Carnival Corporation leads the way in greener cruising
Carnival Corporation was the first to use LNG for its cruise ships. In 2015, AIDA Cruises, a cruise line operated under the Carnival umbrella, made history with its cruise ship, AIDAsol, being the first in the world to be supplied with LNG while in port in Hamburg. Just three years later, the cruise line launched its first fully LNG-powered cruise ship, AIDAnova, a cruise ship that could use this fuel in port and at sea.
The company currently has eight LNG-powered cruise ships, sailing for cruise lines, including Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines and AIDA Cruises. They have three further LNG-powered vessels in production, two of which will be the first to sail for Princess Cruises.
Other cruises lines using LNG
Carnival Corporation led the way for several other cruise lines to adopt the use of LNG to power their cruise ships in an eco-friendlier manner.
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish sets sail this July as Disney’s first LNG-powered cruise ship. The cruise line has two more ships under construction, which will also be powered via this greener initiative.
MSC Cruises has five LNG-powered ships on order. Its inaugural one, MSC Europa, is reported to become the greenest, most efficient vessel in its fleet. While also expected to be the largest LNG-powered ship in the world, its advanced technology is designed to reduce carbon emissions even more than current LNG-powered cruise ships.
Royal Caribbean has factored LNG fuel into the construction of its three new ships, which will be launched over the next few years, and Marella Cruises is also following suit with the construction of its two new ships.
Other green initiatives in the cruise industry
The cruise industry has received a rather unfair reputation for its impact on the environment when it is actually one of the most forward-thinking sectors in developing more sustainable operating methods. Alongside the development of cruise ships powered by LNG, it is making strides in onboard recycling and composting, and eliminating single-use plastic. Cruise lines have also designed exhaust gas cleaning, advanced wastewater purification systems, and innovations for reducing fuel consumption and using shore-side power. Many of these ideas have been taken up by other ships in the industry, creating a wider positive environmental impact.
The cruise industry is known for its creativity and innovation, and when it comes to greener cruising, it has certainly put these skills to good use.
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