Charting a course for a greener future

The cruise industry is a booming business estimated to be worth over US$25 billion today and is expected to continue to rise in the coming years. Providing nearly two million jobs and vital income to destinations around the globe, it has become a cornerstone of global tourism. But like so many things, this success comes at a price, and cruising has been under scrutiny for its environmental footprint. From the fuels used to power the ships to the waste generated onboard, cruising has a significant impact on our planet. Thankfully, the industry is taking active measures through innovation and investment to address these concerns to ensure sustainability for the future. One of the most significant environmental concerns associated with cruising is the emission of greenhouse gases. A single cruise ship can emit as much pollution as five million cars in one day! To combat this, many companies are investing in cleaner technologies such as scrubbers (exhaust gas cleaning systems) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) engines, which are thought to reduce sulphur emissions by as much as 99 percent and nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 85 percent. Less expensive than petroleum, using LNG is mutually beneficial for the industry and the environment alike. For this reason, Antigua Cruise Port will be providing LNG fuel later this year. In this vein, Viking has said it is building vessels to run on hydrogen fuel cells, whilst Royal Caribbean Group is launching a ship with a hybrid power source. Indeed, 15 percent of the engines in vessels scheduled to launch in the next few years will be powered by cells or batteries, and 85 percent of upcoming builds will be able to plug into shore terminals and use electricity when docked rather than keep their engines running. But it’s not just about reducing emissions. The cruise industry is also focused on responsible waste management. With thousands of passengers on each vessel, the amount of waste produced can be staggering. To address this, companies are implementing new practices such as recycling, composting, and even turning waste into energy. In fact, some cruise ships are now powered by biofuels derived from food waste, reducing their overall impact on the environment.

While it still has a long way to go, the cruise sector is making progress in reducing its environmental footprint.

Another concern is the impact on marine life. The large size of the ships can damage delicate coral reefs and disrupt the natural behaviour of marine animals. To minimise this impact, companies are working to develop sustainable practices such as anchoring in designated areas and avoiding sensitive habitats. Some companies are even investing in coral reef restoration programmes to offset any damage that may be caused.

While it still has a long way to go, the cruise sector is making progress in reducing its environmental footprint. With its commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030 as well as reduce its waste output over the next few years, the industry is making strides towards a more environmentally friendly future.