What: The CLIA 2021 Environmental Technologies and Practices Inventory Addresses the Need for More Environmentally Friendly Cruising
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released the 2021 Environmental Technologies and Practices Inventory and associated Environmental Report produced by Oxford Economics. According to the report — which tracks the industry’s development and implementation of responsible tourism practices and technologies — ocean-going CLIA members are pursuing carbon neutral cruising by 2050. The report also addressed the need for new alternative fuels and progress in this area, noting that over three-quarters of the global cruise fleet (by passenger capacity) is now equipped to use alternative fuels.
Why It Matters: Transparency Will Help Travelers Cruise More Sustainably
The travel industry is increasingly reckoning with its role in causing climate change and realizing the importance of taking active steps toward a more sustainable future. Advisors and clients who are concerned with the environmental impact of cruising can look to ships that are able to take the steps noted in the CLIA report, such as connecting to shoreside electricity (so engines can be turned off in port); using exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS); running on alternative fuels; and using advanced wastewater treatment systems.
Fast Facts:
- In addition to pursuing carbon neutral cruising by 2050, CLIA member cruise lines have committed to a 40% reduction in the rate of carbon emissions across the global fleet by 2030 (compared to 2008).
- Alternative fuels being developed include biodiesel, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and the use of electric batteries. The report notes that current challenges to large-scale adoption of these fuels include engineering, supply and regulatory hurdles.
- Eighty-two percent of the newbuild capacity is either committed to be fitted with shoreside electricity capability or will be able to add it in the future.
- The report found that 35% of global capacity is fitted to operate on shoreside electricity, up 2.3% since 2020. In addition, 52% of newbuild capacity will rely on liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel for primary propulsion, a 3% increase compared to 2020.
- More than 76% of global capacity uses EGCS to meet or exceed air emissions requirements, up 7% from 2020.
- According to CLIA, 100% of new ships on order will have advanced wastewater treatment systems, and 74% of oceangoing capacity utilizes them (a 4% increase over 2020).
What They Are Saying: Cruise Lines Must Take an Active Role in Protecting the Environment
"While cruise has been one of the sectors most acutely impacted by the global pandemic, cruise lines remain at the forefront of the challenge to develop new environmental technologies, which benefit the entire shipping industry," said Kelly Craighead, president and CEO of CLIA. "Our industry is committed to pursuing carbon neutral cruising by 2050, and CLIA and our ocean-going members are investing in new technologies and cleaner fuels now to realize this ambition."
The Details
Cruise Lines International Association
