This was the conclusion made by Clia from its 2022 Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report, which showed progress towards the industry’s net-zero carbon cruising goals globally by 2050.
The report highlights the increasing number of vessels launching over the next few years that will be able to incorporate zero-emissions propulsion when available, as well as the growing investment to equip ships to plug in to shoreside electricity.
More than 15% of the vessels to be launched in the next five years will be equipped to incorporate fuel cells or batteries, and 85% of Clia-member ships coming between now and 2028 will be able to plug in to shoreside electricity.
However, despite progress made, the report claims a transition to sustainable marine fuels "remains essential" to achieving the industry’s decarbonisation goals.
President and chief executive of Clia Kelly Craighead said: "Innovation and engineering are at the heart of the industry’s vision for net-zero carbon cruising.
"The cruise industry continues to lead the way by investing billions to incorporate new technologies, accelerate development of sustainable marine fuels – in particular, engines capable of using sustainable marine fuels – and enable shoreside electricity connectivity on existing and new ships."
