CLIA releases sustainability report – cruise lines continue to innovate

• CLIA has released its annual report on environmental technologies and practice.
• While there has been a tense climate for cruise ships, particularly in Europe, they continue to innovate and improve on sustainable practices.
• Read the latest progress below.

The Cruise Lines International Association has released its annual environmental technologies and practices report, which provides updates on how the cruise industry is adopting more sustainable strategies.

This comes at a crucial moment for cruise, with the environmental impact of cruise ships being at the forefront of a lot of conversations, particularly as resistance to cruise makes itself very vocal across Europe. However, as can read be in New Wave, a magazine on this very topic, the cruise industry is filled to the brim with innovation to try and not only match, but get ahead of emissions targets. 1

The silver lining of the finger often being pointed at cruise ships as culprits of environmental pollution, is that the industry has been forced to strive extra hard to create new strategies towards establishing a more sustainable future at sea. 

In fact, cruise lines are often at the forefront of innovation for marine sustainability, which can lead to the creation of technologies which can then be taken on by other marine vessels to promote sustainability across other types of maritime vessels. This is crucial as cruise ships only account for about 1% of overall ocean traffic.

Bud Darr, president and CEO of CLIA explains this: “Cruise lines are early adopters and innovators of maritime technology — examples include advanced  wastewater systems, onshore power supply, air lubrication systems, and the newest generation of dual fuel engines—from which other sectors of maritime also benefit.

“Cruise lines are investing tens of billions of dollars to build the fleet of the future, including more  than 80 new ships on order worldwide that feature these and other innovations. These orders represent  tangible steps that are significantly enhancing the operational capability and efficiency of the collective global cruise ship fleet of our members.”

What’s the latest on cruise ship sustainability?

• In 2018 there was only one cruise ship that could operate with multi-fuel engines that switches from conventional fuel to zero and near-zero emission fuels. By the end of 2025 there will be 23 ships that can do this.
• 58% of CLIA’s entire fleet, which represents 90% of total ocean cruise capacity now has shore power capability, this is up from 25% in 2018. Currently 41 ports worldwide have onshore power capabilities, a further 19 have secured funding and 26 more have plans to install it. 
• An important technology for modern cruise ships is Selective Catalytic Reduction Technology, which reduces particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions. In 2018 only seven ships had this, that number is now 81 ships.
• Wastewater and waste management systems continue to develop. 82% of the global fleet have advanced waste water systems and 45% of ships use microbial digesters for food waste.
• Freshwater production is now the norm for cruise ships, with 98% of CLIA’s fleet now having state-of-the-art freshwater production systems to reduce water usage and water needs onboard.