Posted on 01-Oct-2024 by Shruti Verma
When cruise liners talk of being eco-friendly, banning single-use plastic and installing eco-friendly shower heads is only the tip of the iceberg. The real story lies in finding cleaner fuels to power the ships. After all, cruise ships measure their daily fuel consumption in tons! As a sustainable traveler, here’s what you need to know about this new era of green cruises.
Cleaner fuel options
As ships try to lower their carbon footprint, marine diesel oil and heavy fuel oil are being traded in for cleaner alternatives. These include:
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
LNG is one of the cleanest-burning nonelectric marine fuels. It’s probably the most commonly used alternative to traditional cruise fuels. In 2018, the AIDAnova became the first cruise ship to sail solely on LNG. They have been followed by the Carnival Mardi Gras, Costa Toscana, P&O Iona, and many more.
Biofuel
While LNG is derived from fossil fuels, biofuel is made from plant and animal waste. Hurtigruten has even been using biofuel derived from fish offcuts. Biofuel may also be combined with LNG. MSC Euribia used bioLNG fuel to operate the world’s first net zero emissions cruise in 2023.
Rechargeable Batteries
Fully electric ships are unlikely in the near future. But, many ships utilize hybrid systems to replace fossil-fuel power with battery power. For example, AIDAprima has a 10MWh battery storage system on board. Battery packs are also used to power the Havila Voyages’ ships for up to 4 hours at a stretch.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
While Hydrogen fuel cell technology is yet to be implemented, cruise liners like Havila Voyages are making preparations to use it when it evolves as a viable power source. Viking Line is also testing the use of hydrogen fuel cell technology in ships for the future.
Shore Power
Ships with shore power connections can use electricity from regular electrical grids rather than their own generators when docked. They can then switch off their engines to cut down exhaust emissions. Over 100 ships including those operated by Aurora Expeditions, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises use shore power.
These alternative options are often combined. Here’s what some of the top cruise liners are doing.
|
Cruise liner |
Clean fuel initiatives |
|
Hurtigruten |
Switching to certified biofuels, battery packs and shore power have helped the cruise liner reduce CO2 emissions by 25%. |
|
Ponant |
Using Low Sulphur Fuel Oil, LNG, diesel-electric generators, shore power connections and leveraging wind power has brought ship emissions to below the current maritime standards. |
|
MSC Cruises |
MSC Europa and MSC Euribia are powered by LNG while 11 other ships have been fitted with connectors to use shore power at port. |
|
Havila Voyages |
All 4 ships are powered by a combination of LNG and large battery packs that can be charged by clean hydropower. |
|
Aurora Expeditions |
Aurora Expedition vessels utilize shore-based power while in port to offset greenhouse gas emissions. |
|
Carnival Corporation |
The Carnival Corporation operates 9 LNG-powered ships and 3 biofuel-powered ships. 64% of the fleet also has shore power connection capabilities. |
|
Royal Caribbean |
The Icon of the Seas is the brand’s first ship to use LNG. This and a few other ships can plug into local power grids at port. |
|
Silver Sea |
The Silver Nova uses LNG as its main fuel backed by fuel cells and batteries. It can also plug into shore power. |
|
Norwegian Cruise Line |
These ships are powered by a biofuel-marine gas oil blend and are in the process of being equipped with shore power connectors. |
|
Disney Cruise Line |
Disney Cruise Line is actively exploring the use of bio-LNG, green methanol and other fuel sources as well as connections to shore power. |
|
Viking Line |
Viking is working on steadily replacing conventional fuel oil with LNG. The ships also convert heat generated by the engines into electricity. |
|
Star Clippers |
All 3 ships operate almost exclusively on wind power. This is backed by the use of low-sulfur gas oil. |
Upcoming environmentally friendly cruises
When it comes to sustainability, cruise liners are racing to have the lowest emissions.
The Hurtigruten Sea Zero is one of the most highly anticipated environmentally friendly cruises to be launched. This is being built with zero-emission propulsion with launch plans slated for 2030. Some of the features to look forward to include a large 60MWh battery bank, retractable solar and wind sails and real-time energy monitoring.
Similarly, Explora V and VI in the Explora Journeys fleet are being constructed with a containment system for liquid Hydrogen.
Choosing an environmentally friendly cruise
Finding a green cruise is easy with CruiseBay. Our cruise consultants will assist you in finding the most eco-friendly cruises for your selected destination. Once the cruise is finalized, our consultants will help you book the right cabin category and plan shore excursions. We also offer assistance with pre and post cruise travel including flight tickets, hotel reservations, overseas travel insurance and more. It’s attention to details like this that let you enjoy an insta-worthy, eco-friendly holiday.