The CLIA Spain column
Alfredo Serrano
Managing Director CLIA Spain
Article from CruisesNews magazine no. 62 – September 2022
Decarbonizing industry: a shared challenge
Paradigm shift, sustainability, energy transition, decarbonization, reducing the environmental footprint… these are some of the terms that are currently central to the narrative of public and private organizations. And indeed, if before the pandemic there was already a profound reflection on what path we should take as a society, the health crisis, geopolitical tensions, and extreme weather events of recent times have only intensified it.
From the cruise industry, we are absolutely convinced that recovery and sustainability go hand in hand. There is no doubt that the green transition will shape the economy of the future; a vision that the sector already embraced years ago, making significant investments in R&D. The work carried out by shipowners for decades has meant that today – even though it represents less than 1% of the global fleet – the industry is leading the green transformation of maritime transport; a trend destined to continue as we progress towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
We unequivocally share the long-term objectives set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Green Deal, articulated through the Fit for 55 legislative package.
But at the same time, it would be utopian to think that industry alone has all the tools at its disposal to achieve the ambitious goals set for decarbonization; it is not a question of will, it is a question of feasibility.
We need governments to get more involved, creating a clear regulatory framework that encourages investments aimed at accelerating the development and supply of sustainable marine fuels, as well as the necessary technology to meet the established goals.
In this regard, it is increasingly common to read articles and attend conferences that address aspects related to the electrification of docks, a true priority given that the European Union has mandated that major ports must offer this capability by 2030. While it is true that some projects are already quite advanced and that there is still a seven-year window, it is also true that these projects are extremely complex and that—to date—only a handful of European ports offer this option. Meanwhile, shipping companies continue to do their homework, and by 2027, 66% of the global fleet will be equipped with systems that allow them to connect to the electrical grid.
While the aforementioned electrification of docks – an alternative that allows engines to be switched off, reducing emissions – plays a key role in decarbonization, it is not the only vector of action: the development of alternative marine fuels is another of the main areas of action.
Alongside the proliferation of the use of liquefied natural gas, a transitional fuel, the industry is advancing in the search for other solutions, partnering with suppliers, shipyards, technology companies, academic institutions… As a result of this commitment and effort at all levels, other alternatives such as biodiesel, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and electric batteries are being explored.
Despite the progress, as highlighted in the 2021 Environmental Practices and Technologies report by CLIA and Oxford Economics, there are still technological, logistical/distribution and regulatory obstacles that must be overcome before these alternative fuels can be used widely.
As it has done before, the industry is facing the challenge of reducing its environmental footprint decisively and responsibly, aware of its role in Europe's future and with its sights set on the future: the industry aspires to become the most sustainable segment within tourism, not only in terms of emissions reduction but also in terms of waste management. The necessary steps are already being taken to transform this vision into reality, but without forgetting that decarbonization is (and must be addressed as) a shared challenge.
