Can the cruise industry go carbon-neutral? - National Geographic

Summary

This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

In November 2021, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) made an ambitious proposal. Its member lines, which together form 95% of the global cruise fleet, announced a collective pledge to pursue net-zero emissions by 2050. …

Source: National Geographic

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Q1: What are the main strategies being implemented by the cruise industry to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050?

A1: The cruise industry is actively pursuing net-zero emissions by 2050 through various strategies. These include investing in new ships and engines that allow for fuel flexibility to use low- to zero-GHG fuels, once they are available at scale. The industry is also conducting multiple trials and pilot programs to test sustainable fuels and technologies, employing a range of environmental technologies and practices to advance sustainability initiatives, and enhancing energy efficiency through operational efficiencies both at berth and at sea.

Q2: How is the International Maritime Organization (IMO) contributing to the global efforts of reducing shipping emissions?

A2: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has been playing a vital role in reducing shipping emissions through its strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships. This includes lowering the combustion of fossil fuels, developing alternative fuels like green ammonia, hydrogen, and biofuels, and adopting digital technologies to increase vessel efficiency. The IMO introduced a mandatory fuel standard requiring ships over 5,000 gross tons to progressively reduce their greenhouse gas intensity starting in 2028, with new targets set every five years.

Q3: What role do ports play in the cruise industry's transition to low-emissions cruising?

A3: Ports are central to enabling the cruise industry's decarbonization goals. They are adapting infrastructure to support fuel-flexible ships and alternative fuels such as LNG, methanol, ammonia, and hydrogen. This adaptation is crucial as it helps cruise operators meet the global goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Ports' readiness to accommodate these changes is integral to the successful implementation of the IMO's Net-Zero Framework.

Q4: What are some of the technological innovations being introduced by Royal Caribbean Group to reduce emissions?

A4: Royal Caribbean Group is pioneering several technological innovations as part of its decarbonization strategy, Destination Net Zero. These include deploying the cruise industry's first onboard waste-to-energy technologies and pioneering new technologies on their ships. Over the last two years, they have implemented these technologies on ships like Icon of the Seas and Silver Nova, influencing future specifications and collaborations with technology partners.

Q5: How does sustainable tourism contribute to reducing the environmental impact of cruising?

A5: Sustainable tourism aims to embrace environmental protection, social equity, and quality of life while ensuring economic growth. By integrating sustainable practices, the cruise industry can mitigate negative environmental impacts such as greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution. Sustainable tourism also aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on responsible consumption and production, decent work, economic growth, and life below water.

Q6: What alternative fuels are being considered for the cruise industry to achieve net-zero emissions?

A6: The cruise industry is considering a range of alternative fuels to achieve net-zero emissions, including LNG, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and advanced biofuels. These fuels offer significant compliance gains and cost savings, and their adoption is part of the industry's strategy to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Q7: What are the challenges faced by the cruise industry in transitioning to net-zero emissions?

A7: The cruise industry faces several challenges in transitioning to net-zero emissions, including the need for substantial investment in new technologies and infrastructure, the development and availability of low- to zero-GHG fuels at scale, and regulatory compliance with evolving global standards. Additionally, collaboration across the industry and with ports and technology partners is essential to overcoming these challenges and achieving decarbonization goals by 2050.

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Decarbonization of shipping