Royal Caribbean Group has signed a maritime declaration with the Finnish government, represented by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment (MEAE) and Meyer Turku Oy, to chart a course toward innovative and sustainable shipbuilding in Finland. This commitment aims to advance innovation, strengthen competitiveness, and reinforce the maritime industry ecosystem.
“Our partners in Finland have helped us deliver some of the world’s most impressive and sustainable ships, including our newest ship, Icon of the Seas, which will debut in January 2024,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “This new partnership sets the stage for future innovations and allows us and the maritime industry to continue pursuing sustainability at the highest level.”.
- Preparing a roadmap for the production of climate-neutral ships in Finland. The roadmap is part of the maritime industry's green transition.
- Strengthening innovation at Meyer Turku, Royal Caribbean Group and the maritime industry.
- Supporting the creation of networks to curb economic challenges, develop new solutions and ensure the long-term viability of the maritime industry.
- Assembly of a digital demonstration of a climate-neutral ship as part of the Ministry of Labor and Economy's sustainable maritime industry development program.
- Strengthening innovation at Meyer Turku, Royal Caribbean Group and the maritime industry.
- Piloting and testing new innovations and technologies on Royal Caribbean Group ships.
This partnership also promotes Royal Caribbean Group’s Destination Net Zero strategy to decarbonize its operations by 2050 and its short- and medium-term goals, including reducing carbon intensity by 2025 compared to 2019 and introducing a “Net Zero” cruise by 2035.
The announcement comes on the heels of another major milestone for Royal Caribbean. On Friday, December 9, the revolutionary new Icon of the Seas entered its next phase of construction ahead of its iconic debut in January 2024. The new ship floated above the water for the first time since assembly began nine months ago at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Turku, Finland.
“The Finnish maritime ecosystem is built on the innovation, experience, and skills of the thousands of leading shipbuilders in Meyer Turku, and Icon of the Seas is the latest example of what can be built here in Finland,” said Mika Lintilä, Finland’s Minister for Economic Affairs. “This new declaration will ensure a future where the maritime industry continues to advance our decarbonization goals and economic growth priorities in the years to come.”.
The company also has agreements with the shipyard to build the second and third as-yet-unnamed Icon Class ships for its Royal Caribbean International brand, and Mein Schiff 7, which is currently under construction for the TUI Cruises brand.
