CLIA joins RSB to support shipping industry to sail more sustainably

7 June 2023, Brussels – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, has joined the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) as part of its commitment to chart the course to net-zero carbon cruising by 2050. By becoming a RSB member, CLIA will also join over a hundred other organisations to support the continuous development of RSB’s Principles & Criteria – the world’s most trusted and credible approach for advancing the just and sustainable transition to a net positive world.

In its mission to achieve net zero, CLIA cruise lines members are exploring many exciting and innovative avenues, including sustainable marine fuel (SMF) – given that 75% of its global cruise fleet is already capable of using SMF, once available at scale. CLIA’s membership to RSB’s collaborative network will therefore focus on leveraging access to RSB’s new Sustainable Marine Fuel Platform.

As part of this platform, CLIA will work with other leading organisations in the maritime industry to address sustainability issues in marine fuel, develop approaches to engage with regulators, and advocate for consistent and robust sustainability practices.

“Joining the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials signals the importance that the cruise sector places on collaboration as part of the transition to a sustainable economy. The development of sustainable marine fuels will be key to decarbonisation of shipping. We look forward to sharing expertise and exchanging ideas as part of our drive to discover the innovations and new technologies that will help to achieve our collective climate ambitions.” – Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General Europe, CLIA.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Cruise Lines International Association to our collaborative network. We all look forward to working with CLIA to support the cruise sector to achieve their net-zero ambitions, sustainably. Unlocking collaboration within and across sectors is one of the most vital approaches to building a sustainable biocircular economy and we look forward to working with CLIA in our RSB Sustainable Marine Fuels Platform, as well as in our cross-cutting work on Book & Claim, power-to-X and much more. Together, we look forward to working collaboratively to drive positive change in the marine sector.” – Hannah Walker, Outreach and Engagement Director and lead on SMF at RSB.

About CLIA

CLIA is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice for the industry as the leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organisation supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for the more than 30 million passengers who have cruised annually. The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services. For further information, please visit europe.cruising.org or cruising.org.

About RSB

The Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) is a global, multi-stakeholder and independent organisation that drives the development of a bio-based and circular economy. RSB has the world’s most trusted, peer-reviewed, global certification standard for sustainable biomaterials, biofuels and biomass production, from which it provides credible tools and solutions for sustainability that mitigate business risk and contribute to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. For further information, visit https://rsb.org.