THE GREEN GRAIL OF THE SEVEN SEAS
EDITORIAL
THE GREEN GRAIL OF THE SEVEN SEAS
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 .
1 / 2023
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 Liisa Hyvönen
GRAPHIC DESIGN Riitta Yli-Öyrä
CONTRIBUTORS Sami J . Anteroinen Ari Mononen
COVER PHOTO Royal Caribbean International
PRINTED BY Forssan Kirjapaino Oy
ISSN 1239-5803 ( print ) ISSN 2737-2006 ( online )
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4 seatec 1 / 2023