During the first European cruise industry conference dedicated to its decarbonization, its leaders urged governments to join this effort by creating a regulatory framework and investments that match the industry's commitment to accelerating the development and supply of sustainable marine fuels and the technology needed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
This appeal was made during the opening session of the European conference held by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in Genoa, Italy, where industry leaders were analyzing the industry's path toward innovation. Shipping companies are making significant investments in research projects and innovative technologies aimed at improving environmental performance. Building
new ships is only one part of the equation: to achieve its goals, the industry will need access to the appropriate infrastructure and a supply of sustainable fuels.
Similarly, during the event, Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises and Chairman of CLIA Global, stated: “The cruise industry shares the vision of a blue economy with European governments, is working diligently, and can deliver on its promises.” Vago added that “clear support from governments is essential to ensure the development of adequate and accessible infrastructure, as well as to provide incentives that guarantee the development and delivery of sustainable maritime solutions.”.
Meanwhile, CLIA's Director General for Europe, Marie-Caroline Laurent, noted: “The cruise industry has already taken firm and robust steps to achieve its decarbonization goals, to which it has jointly committed. It is also driving innovation in maritime transport and is key to helping the European Union take the necessary steps towards decarbonization.” She added,
“It is essential that we now have a clear legislative framework that fosters the investment and innovation needed for the industry to achieve the targets set out in Fit For 55 by 2030 and, ultimately, our ambitions for 2050.”
During another panel, representatives from shipping companies, shipyards, manufacturers, port operators, and fuel producers discussed potential alternative fuels and technologies aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. The capacity to produce renewable marine fuels on a large scale is still quite
limited and primarily geared towards other modes of transport. In this regard, the industry is requesting government incentives and support mechanisms to ensure the future supply of sustainable fuels to the maritime sector.
Regarding electrification, during the conference, Vago stated that CLIA had identified port infrastructure as another important area where public investment is essential. Shipping companies have committed to using
shore power connections in ports where possible. By 2027, 66% of the global fleet will be equipped to connect to the power grid. Meanwhile, concerning port electrification, only a small number of docks in Europe currently offer grid connections, and the European Union aims to ensure that all major
ports on the continent offer this capability by 2030.
For his part, Laurent concluded by stating that the cruise industry's efforts are key to its future in Europe; the industry has the vision of being the most sustainable tourism sector through the reduction of emissions - both during navigation and while docked - and the complete implementation of the circularity concept in waste management.
