How sustainable is marine? Well, at least for cruise ships the picture is not all that grim. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, cruise ships represent 0.6 percent of total travel carbon
emissions – the least of any sector of the travel industry and far less than aviation (17% of total travel carbon emissions).
Nevertheless, most cruise companies still rely on heavy fuel oil
to power their ships’ engines. Hence, finding an energy source that
will reduce pollution and greenhouse gases is the “Green Grail” for
the industry. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced
in 2021 that its goal is to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050
and, as an intermediate step, reduce emissions 40 percent by 2030.
What’s more, in October 2022 CLIA released the results of
its 2022 Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and
Practices Report, showing progress in the industry’s low-carbon
pursuits.
In the coming years, there is an increasing number of vessels
that will be able to incorporate zero-emissions propulsion as well as
growing investment to equip ships to plug in to shoreside electricity
where available. In fact, more than 15% of the vessels to be
launched in the next five years will be equipped to incorporate fuel
cells or batteries. As many as 85% of CLIA-member ships coming
online between now and 2028 will be able to plug in to shoreside
electricity, allowing engines to switch off at berth for significant
emissions reduction.
According to the report, transition to sustainable marine
fuels remains essential to achieving the maritime industry’s
decarbonization goals, underscoring the urgent need for
governments to support research efforts to accelerate the
development of these fuels. Sustainable marine fuels need to be safe,
viable and available for use at scale.
For now, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) holds a key position in the
market. According to the report, 61% of new-build capacity will rely
on LNG fuel for primary propulsion. LNG is in high demand since its
use results in 95% to 100% fewer particulate matter (PM) emissions,
virtually zero sulphur emissions, and an 85% reduction in nitrogen
emissions. As a transitional fuel, LNG provides real benefits now,
but it also allows LNG-ready ships to adapt to a future generation of
sustainable marine fuels.
Also, such things as Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (EGCS)
and Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems are contributing to
the more sustainable maritime. As it stands, the cruise industry is
investing billions to incorporate new technologies, targeting a fullscale
decarbonization of global shipping.
PETRI CHARPENTIER
