The global cruise industry will have to overcome a number of obstacles to meet its carbon footprint reduction goals, according to experts.

However, there are some positives, in particular regarding the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuels, Cruise Trade News has been told during a media briefing to discuss new emission legislation.

In 2018, CLIA pledged to reduce CO2 emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, measured against a 2008 fleet baseline.

CLIA vice-president for maritime policy Donnie Brown said: “The cruise lines have indicated that a 40 per cent reduction by 2030 will be a challenge going forward.”

In addition, a new sulphur cap came into effect on 1 January 2020, stipulating that cruise lines have to ensure their sulphur emissions do not exceed 0.5 per cent, down significantly from the previous limit of 3.5 per cent.

Lines can comply with the new cap by either using compliant fuel, LNG fuels, or exhaust gas cleaning systems, also known as scrubbers.

CLIA senior vice-president for maritime policy Brian Salerno added: “The [cruise] community has seen this coming for several years. The International Maritime Organisation has indicated that the transition has gone very well, however reducing our environmental footprint is a top priority.”

LNG to the rescue?

Many experts are pushing the use LNG fuels, which do not emit dust, soot or particles. It is also claimed they can reduce sulphur emissions by 99 per cent and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85 per cent, compared to conventional fuels.

At present only two ships in CLIA members’ fleets use LNG fuels, with 25 ordered or under construction. Those using conventional fuels that wish to transition to LNG would need to be fitted with new engines, fuel storage and insulation equipment.

MSC Cruises recently unveiled an additional two ships in its World-Class series, to be powered by LNG. The line is also working on a new concept to “explore opportunities that wind power and other advanced technologies could bring to passenger shipping”, according to the company.

Some areas, such as North America and the Baltics, are considered sulphur emission control areas (SECAS), which require ships to cut sulphur content to an even lower 0.1 per cent. There is also a proposal to include the Mediterranean in a SECA.

Low-sulphur fuel is an option for cruise lines, however, it is uncertain as to whether enough of this fuel will be available long term, with price another obstacle, leading lines to use alternative technology.

Many are using scrubbers, although there is some concern regarding the wastewater emitted. Brown added that there has been engagement between the industry and the port authorities on this subject, but that the water expelled is safe.

To find out more information about the cruise industry’s environmental efforts, visit cruising.org.