Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies report 2021
On 8 November, we published our 2021 Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Inventory (ETP) and associated Environmental Report produced by Oxford Economics (OE).
The annual report demonstrates the industry’s commitment to responsible tourism practices and our continued progress on the development and implementation of green maritime technologies. Our vision is net-zero carbon cruising by 2050 and CLIA and our ocean-going members are investing in new technologies and cleaner fuels now to realise this ambition. The report notes substantial progress across a range of areas:
Shoreside electricity (SSE)
Cruise lines continue to make significant investments to enable ships to connect to shoreside electricity, allowing engines to be switched off in port.
Globally, 82% of new build capacity is either committed to be fitted with shore-side electricity capability or will be configured to add SSE in the future, and 35% of global capacity is fitted to operate on SSE in the 14 ports worldwide where that capability is provided in at least one berth.
In Europe, EU Fit for 55 proposals state that all ships must connect to SSE (or use compliant fuel) by 2030, regardless the type of berth. Currently, however, there are only a handful of berths providing SSE in European ports. Furthermore, based on publicly announced investments, it is currently projected that only 5.81% of cruise berths in the EU will be able to provide SSE by 2025. While it is therefore clear that significant investment in portside infrastructure will be required, there are many collaborations underway between cruise lines, ports and local authorities to increase SSE.
New, alternative fuels
The report addresses the challenge posed by the need for new, alternative fuels to achieve ambitious carbon reduction goals and the steps the industry is taking to support progress. Specifically, in addition to LNG, over three-quarters of the global cruise fleet by passenger capacity is equipped to use alternative fuels. Alternative fuel sources being developed include biodiesel, methanol, ammonia, hydrogen, and electric batteries. The report notes that there remain engineering, supply, and regulatory hurdles before the large-scale adoption of such fuels can take place, but the cruise industry’s growing investment is facilitating the research and development of these fuels.
Underpinning the European maritime economy
The cruise industry underpins shipbuilding and the maritime economy in Europe. Notably, 80% of the value of ships built in Europe are cruise ships, representing a significant contribution to European economies. Europe is a global leader in building the complex, future-proof cruise ships in operation today. The skillsets, experience, and technical knowledge developed in member states as a result offer worldwide competitive advantage and put cruise squarely at the heart of Europe’s green growth ambitions.