As a Carnival Corporation company, AIDA Cruises has committed to reducing the carbon intensity of its fleet by 20% by 2030. This figure is relative to 2019 levels. The goal can be achieved by combining several technical options. One solution is the use of biofuel.
For new ships, climate neutrality can almost be achieved by using LNG (liquefied natural gas) as fuel and with adapted purification systems. For ships already in service, such as the AIDA Prima, which entered service in April 2016, the goal of climate-neutral cruising requires other technical solutions. Using 100% biofuel is one way. On December 8, 2022, the AIDA Prima docked in the port of Rotterdam and refueled for the first time with 100% biofuel. The shipping company explains that the innovative biofuel is obtained from raw materials that are 100% certified as waste or residue. However, the challenge for the entire shipping industry is ensuring the availability of biofuels at an industrial scale and at market prices.
The Rostock-based shipping company has long invested in research and the use of green technologies. One of its challenges is increasing the fleet's energy efficiency to reduce fuel consumption. The Aida Prima was equipped with the largest battery storage system currently installed on cruise ships, with a capacity of 10 megawatt-hours. In addition, the use of shore power has been expanded to allow for near-emission-free operation of the fleet during port calls in Europe. According to the company, each of these individual solutions will contribute to AIDA Cruises becoming climate-neutral by 2050.
