The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has published its annual Environmental Practices and Technologies Report 2021, prepared by Oxford Economics. The study, which demonstrates the industry's commitment to responsible tourism and the continued advancement of new environmental technologies, comes at a time when CLIA's member cruise lines have pledged to pursue the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
“While the cruise sector has been one of the hardest hit by the global pandemic, cruise lines continue to be at the forefront, taking on the challenge of developing new environmental technologies that benefit the entire maritime industry,” said Kelly Craighead, CLIA President & CEO.
In this regard, Craighead added: “Our industry is committed to pursuing the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050, and CLIA and its partners are already making investments in new technologies and cleaner fuels to achieve this goal.”.
For the first time, the report prepared by Oxford Economics addresses the challenge posed by the need for new and alternative fuels, as well as the steps the industry is taking to support progress. Specifically, in addition to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), more than three-quarters of the current fleet (in terms of capacity) is equipped with systems that allow the use of other fuels.
As an alternative to heavy fuel oils, other fuels such as biodiesel, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and electric batteries are being developed. The report also highlights that technological, logistical/distribution, and regulatory obstacles remain that must be overcome before these alternative fuels can be widely used. However, increased industry investment in the construction of new, state-of-the-art ships is supporting research and development in these fuels.
“This report shows that the industry is resilient, innovative and future-oriented,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, president of CLIA Global.
“We know there is still much work to be done, but the cruise industry has demonstrated both its commitment and its ability to meet this challenge; it is catalyzing sustainable maritime innovation, which will be key to decarbonizing transport. This is why CLIA has joined other maritime organizations in proposing the creation of a $5 billion fund within the International Maritime Organization (IMO). These funds would be used to support R&D, with the aim of accelerating the development of fuels and new propulsion technologies,” explained Vago.
The report notes that CLIA members have continued to make significant progress in several areas:
- Electrical connection with ground.
82% of the ships in the order book will be ready to use shore power or will be configured to be able to add this type of energy in the future.
35% of the fleet in service (2.3% more than in 2020) is already equipped with the technology needed to connect in the 14 ports - spread throughout the world - where this option is offered.
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).
- Exhaust gas scrubbing systems (EGCS).
- Advanced wastewater treatment systems (AWTS).
It is significant that almost 20% of the fleet is equipped with approved AWTS capable of meeting the nitrogen and phosphorus discharge standards set out in Annex IV (Baltic Sea Special Area) of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
CLIA members have pledged to reduce carbon emissions by 40% (compared to 2008) by 2030, in line with the IMO's target to lower carbon levels.
