EDITORIAL
2021
AFTER THE STORM
Despite a challenging year in 2020 , there is optimism on the horizon . According to brand new 2021 State of the Cruise Industry outlook by Cruise Lines International Association ( CLIA ), two out of three cruisegoers are willing to cruise within a year and 58 % of international vacationers , who have never cruised , are likely to cruise in the next few years .
Covid-19 crisis was felt very much on the waves , as cruise ships infected with the virus turned into “ escape rooms ” in the minds of the people . Looking at industry unemployment alone , last year every 1 % loss of cruisers resulted in a reduction of 9,100 industry-related jobs . Each day of suspension caused direct and indirect industry losses of 2,500 jobs .
Nevertheless , the foundations of a strong industry have not disappeared overnight . In 2019 , for example , cruising sustained 1,166,000 jobs , equaling $ 50.53 billion in wages and salaries and $ 154.5 billion total output worldwide .
The industry has adjusted . From early July through mid-December 2020 , there were more than 200 sailings with multiple layers of enhanced measures in place . CLIA contends that the success of these initial sailings demonstrates new protocols are working as designed – to mitigate the risk of Covid-19 among passengers , crew and the destinations cruise ships visit .
And what ’ s in the cards for this year ? CLIA anticipates the debut of 19 new ocean ships in 2021 , resulting in a total of 270 CLIA Cruise Line ocean ships projected to be in operation by the end of the year . Looking ahead , this “ Fleet of the Future ” will feature enhanced health and safety cruise protocols for the resumption of passenger operations .
As the Covid crisis fades , we must renew our commitment to a cleaner , more sustainable future . So far , we ’ ve seen a staggering $ 23.5 billion investment in ships with new technologies and cleaner fuels to reduce carbon emissions . This , in itself , is a powerful statement that speaks volumes about the industry ’ s desire to well and truly tackle climate change .
This means , for instance , that half ( 49 %) of new build capacity on order will rely on LNG fuel for primary propulsion – and almost all ( 99 %!) of new ships on order will have Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems in place , bringing global capacity served by these systems to 78.5 %.
Partnerships with local governments in key destinations are a big part of this green mindset . Ultimately , the cruise industry is committed to reducing its rate of carbon emissions by 40 % by 2030 compared to 2008 .
PETRI CHARPENTIER
PUBLISHER PubliCo Oy Pälkäneentie 19 A FI-00510 Helsinki Finland Phone + 358 20 162 2200 info @ publico . com www . publico . com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Petri Charpentier
PROJECT MANAGER Paul Charpentier
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Mimosa Raitamaa
GRAPHIC DESIGN Riitta Yli-Öyrä
CONTRIBUTORS Sami J . Anteroinen Ari Mononen
COVER PHOTO Meyer Turku Oy
PRINTED BY Printall AS
All rights reserved . This publication may not be used in whole or in part to prepare or compile other directories or mailing lists without the written permission of the publisher . Measures have been taken in the preparation of this publication to assist the publisher protect its copyright . Any unauthorized use of the data herein will result in immediate legal proceeding .
www . seatec . fi / magazine
4 seatec 2021