Members of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) recently announced an investment of $1 billion in environmentally-friendly technology in order to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.
“The cruise industry recognizes the importance of investing in innovative ship technology to preserve our environment and provide an eco-friendly travel experience,” Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO of CLIA, said. “And, with each new build, CLIA Cruise Line Members raise the bar for developing environmentally friendly ships.”
Perhaps the biggest change seen within the industry will be newer ships that are powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). While the switch will reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, it also help eliminate soot particles and sulfur oxides. As of July 2017, seven cruise lines have announced plans to build up to 16 LNG-propelled ships.
In order to reduce air emissions, the members announced they were investing in exhaust gas cleaning systems, which offer an alternative to low sulfur fuels and reduce the levels of sulfur oxides in a ship’s exhaust by as much as 98 percent. According to CLIA, the cruise line industry pioneered the technology, which has since spread to other modes of maritime transportation.
CLIA also indicated that its members have committed to not discharging untreated sewage anywhere in the world.
Additionally, a number of cruise lines have begun implementing solar energy in order to power certain ship equipment and decrease dependence on fuel-generated electricity.
Due to a number of line itineraries involving warmer climates, newer ship systems are being designed to pump only the amount of chilled water required for the cooling demand, which results in significant energy savings, according to CLIA.