Cruising towards sustainability

Global study to steer cruise sector towards sustainability

INTERNATIONAL: Research aimed at providing critical information to map the cruise sector’s real-time energy needs, infrastructure and regulations has been commissioned by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) in an effort to steer the industry towards a sustainable future.

The Global Investment Plan Study will be undertaken by RINA on behalf of CLIA and will include foresight scenarios extending to 2050.

The cruise sector is recognised as one of the most active in driving the shipping industry towards greater sustainability. Today, there are 55 cruise ships on order, representing an investment of €33.9 billion ($37.1 billion) globally for the next five years.

Of these new ships, 36 will be LNG powered and seven will be methanol ready or methanol capable. By 2028, more than 70% of the CLIA-member cruise line fleet will have shoreside power capability.

The study represents a major step in the cruise industry's commitment to align with the IMO 2030 and 2050 environmental goals. CLIA, representing 95% of the global cruise ship fleet, plays a pivotal role in this movement, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices within the maritime community.

Covering all areas outside of Europe, the study will focus on a holistic view of the cruise industry's infrastructure and regulatory needs worldwide.

It aims to provide clarity on the current status and future developments in fuel infrastructure and deployment over the next 5-10 years. A significant emphasis will be placed on the impact of itineraries and operations of cruise ships, considering various energy carriers both in navigation and at port.

Research to form the basis of the study includes:

Analysis of global cruise market itineraries, fuel choices, and propulsion options.
Evaluation of worldwide fuel, bunkering, and onshore power infrastructure.
Study of international and local GHG regulatory frameworks and their impact on ship design and operations.
Estimation of the volume of energy carriers required to meet decarbonisation targets.
Estimation of locations and sizes of infrastructure to support cruise itineraries and technologies, considering global funding and investment opportunities.

The outcomes of this study are expected to shape the cruise industry's approach to sustainability for decades to come, setting a benchmark for environmental stewardship in the maritime sector.