Cruise Industry Aims to Cut Carbon Emissions 40 Percent

Image: PHOTO: Cruise lines are committed to reducing carbon emissions.  (photo courtesy iStock / Getty Images Plus / katatonia82)
Image: PHOTO: Cruise lines are committed to reducing carbon emissions. (photo courtesy iStock / Getty Images Plus / katatonia82)
TravelPulse Staff
by TravelPulse Staff
Last updated: 12:20 AM ET, Thu December 20, 2018

WHY IT RATES: Cruising continues to be a popular form of travel for consumers but many are also looking to travel with companies committed to an environmentally friendly agenda. -Janeen Christoff, TravelPulse Senior Writer


The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced a historic global cruise industry commitment to reduce the rate of carbon emissions across the industry fleet by 40 percent by 2030.

"Today's announcement is a tribute to cross-industry collaboration and a shared commitment to environmental sustainability," said Arnold Donald, global CLIA chairman and president and CEO of Carnival Corporation & PLC. "We aspire to the International Maritime Organization's vision of a carbon-free shipping industry by the end of the century. Our commitment to a 40 percent reduction in the rate of emissions by 2030 is a strong first step toward realizing that vision."

The commitment to reduce the rate of global fleet emissions by 40 percent is the outcome of a collaborative process designed to build consensus among cruise line leadership. Progress toward the 40 percent target will be measured against a 2008 fleet baseline, and emissions rates will be calculated based on the industry fleet's total carbon emissions, total ship berths and total distance traveled. CLIA plans to report annually on the industry's progress toward the commitment.

While CLIA Cruise Lines each have responsible and sustainable programs to reduce waste and preserve and protect the oceans, the commitment to reduce the rate of carbon emissions is a significant initiative they have taken together to reduce GHG Emissions. The reduction will be fueled by innovative technologies for energy efficiency in ship design and propulsion. The industry's first liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered ship launched just last week, and some 25 such ships could be operating by 2025. While LNG ships principally address pollution, there is a corresponding benefit for carbon emissions reduction

Cruise is proud to be a maritime industry leader in making a joint carbon emissions commitment to sustainability on the seas.

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