CLIA Reports Cruise Industry’s Progress Towards Net Zero Emissions

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its annual Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report, highlighting significant strides made by its member lines toward achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The report showcases advancements in environmental technologies and practices, reflecting the industry’s commitment to sustainability.

According to CLIA President and CEO Kelly Craighead, “This year’s environmental technologies report demonstrates the industry’s progress, with investments in engine technologies that will enable ships to use more renewable energy sources as they become available. We’re also seeing important incremental steps in a range of environmental technologies and practices.”

The report details that CLIA’s member ocean fleet, comprising 303 ships with a total capacity of 635,000 lower berths, represents 90 percent of global cruise capacity. The cruise lines are making substantial investments in new ships and engines that offer fuel flexibility. This includes the capability to use renewable biodiesel, green methanol, and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Currently, 19 ships, accounting for 7 percent of the fleet and 13 percent of its global capacity, use LNG for propulsion. This marks a significant commitment to reducing emissions. Additionally, the number of ships equipped with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology— which reduces particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions— has increased by 34 percent from the previous year. A total of 71 ships now feature SCR technology.

The report also highlights improvements in shore power connectivity. A total of 147 CLIA ships can now connect to offshore power suppliers (OPS), representing a 23 percent increase from 2023 and a 167 percent increase since 2018. This capability helps reduce emissions while the ships are docked.

Advanced wastewater treatment systems (AWTS) are widely adopted across the CLIA fleet. The report shows that 225 ships—80 percent of the total fleet and 84 percent of global passenger capacity—are equipped with AWTS. This marks an 11 percent increase from 2023 and a 65 percent increase since 2018.

In terms of freshwater production, the majority of CLIA members produce their own freshwater onboard. Of the 267 ships capable of producing water, nearly 60 percent can produce enough to meet their total consumption. This represents more than 94 percent of reporting ships and 96 percent of global capacity.

Overall, the report underscores the cruise industry’s ongoing efforts to implement sustainable practices and invest in technologies that contribute to reducing its environmental impact. CLIA member lines are making tangible progress towards their goal of net zero emissions, setting a strong example for the global maritime industry.