The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has published its Environmental Practices and Technologies 2023 report. This report shows concrete progress the industry is making towards achieving its environmental agenda.
The industry continues to invest in new vessels. The construction of 44 ships is planned for the next five years.
Of these vessels, 25 will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and seven will use methanol or will be able to use it; an investment in new technologies that will accelerate the transition to a future with low or zero carbon fuels.
The Environmental Practices and Technologies 2023 report highlights other investments shipping companies are making to reduce emissions both when vessels are docked and at sea, including connecting to shore power. This allows for the engines to be switched off when ships are moored, significantly reducing emissions.
Shipping companies are seeking fuel flexibility, so they are investing in propulsion systems compatible with different solutions. To this end, 32 collaborative projects are underway with fuel producers and engine manufacturers.
CLIA President & CEO Kelly Craighead says : “ Shipping lines continue to transform their modern fleets to protect the oceans, the air, and the destinations that thousands of passengers enjoy each year. Our data shows a substantial shift in the adoption of new environmental technologies by shipping lines .”
In this regard, Craighead points out: “Today, the ships of the future are being built; these will use new and more sustainable technologies. The introduction of these technologies and the numerous pilot projects and trials underway demonstrate that we are facing an innovative and pioneering industry in the adoption of technologies that will help us navigate towards a more sustainable future.”
The availability of sustainable marine fuels remains essential for the industry to achieve its decarbonization goals and underlines the need for governments to support research.
CLIA President Pierfrancesco Vago notes : “ Achieving collective sustainability goals requires significant investment from both the public and private sectors. The cruise industry is taking responsibility and is already building its future. We also need governments to support research in this area and establish a clear and stable regulatory framework; this will enable fuel suppliers and other stakeholders to make the necessary developments ,” he concludes.
CLIA data reflects that shipping companies continue to do their part to reduce emissions.
Report conclusions
- 120 ships in the CLIA fleet (46% of the total) are equipped with systems that allow for electrical connection to shore.
- Currently, 32 ports (compared to 29 in 2022) have electrified docks.
- Looking ahead to 2028, it is expected that more than 210 ships will be able to connect to the electricity grid.
- In 2022, CLIA pledged that by 2035 ships docking in ports where shore power connection is available must use the same or alternative low-carbon technologies.
- Major European ports will be required to offer shore power connections by 2030.
- Of CLIA's total fleet, 202 ships (77% of the total) are equipped with wastewater treatment systems.
- Within CLIA's fleet, four ships already use biofuels as an energy source and another four will be equipped to use them.
- The 2023 report indicates that 48% of newly built ships will be constructed with LNG engines. These belong to a new generation of vessels that will be able to use sustainable marine fuels once suppliers make them available at scale.
- According to an analysis conducted by the SeaLNG organization and other entities, LNG is currently the fossil fuel available at scale with the best performance in reducing atmospheric emissions. LNG virtually eliminates sulfur and particulate emissions; it reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 85% and greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20%.
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