The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announces the industry's commitment to the new IMO* 2020 (*International Maritime Organization) in force since January 1st, which sets the maximum limit for sulfur content in fuel used by the shipping industry at 0.5%, compared to the previously allowed 3.5%.
Key points:
- The new requirements set by the IMO 2020, which came into force on January 1, reduce the amount of sulfur content allowed in ship emissions from 3.5% to 0.5%.
- The cruise industry has adopted new technologies to meet and exceed these requirements: Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS), the use of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) as fuel, and other compatible fuels. Each cruise line individually decides which technologies or measures to implement to comply with the new IMO requirements.
- Compliant fuel: Fuel with a sulfur content of 0.5% or less that meets the regulations. In Emission Control Areas (ECAs), where the sulfur content is limited to a maximum of 0.1%, ships will use compliant fuels or other permitted alternatives that achieve these objectives.
- Exhaust gas scrubbing systems (EGCS) treat ship emissions to reduce sulfur levels by up to 98%. Numerous studies have shown that they have minimal impact on water quality when operated in open-loop mode. Currently, 68% of global capacity uses EGCS technology.
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) guarantees zero sulfur emissions, a 95% to 100% reduction in particulate emissions, an 85% reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions, and up to a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, two cruise ships in operation are powered by LNG, and 25 more are in the pipeline.
- Before the IMO 2020 regulations came into force, the cruise industry was already prepared for compliance; from now on, it is focusing on identifying and developing new technologies and clean energy sources to further reduce its environmental impact.
- The cruise industry recognizes that a significant R&D effort is needed to achieve the IMO's goal of zero carbon emissions across the entire international shipping fleet.
- CLIA joined a number of maritime industry associations to submit a proposal to the IMO for the funding and implementation of a $5 billion USD R&D fund dedicated to working collaboratively across the industry to identify technologies and energy sources that will enable us to achieve that goal.
- CLIA members are also exploring additional opportunities to lessen their environmental impact, including the use of grounded electrical connection, rechargeable fuel cells , or wind power.
