By D.W.G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
Environmental Impact of Growing Cruise Industry
As cruise companies increasingly promote their green initiatives, the question arises, can cruise ships truly become sustainable? In January, the world's largest cruise ship, the Icon of the Seas, embarked on its seven day maiden voyage from the Port of Miami. This $2 billion vessel, operated by Royal Caribbean, boasts 18 decks, seven swimming pools, and over 40 dining and entertainment venues. At 365 meters long, it surpasses the length of the Eiffel Tower by 35 meters and is about five times the size of the Titanic. The ship uses liquified natural gas (LNG), described by Royal Caribbean as the "cleanest burning marine fuel available." However, environmental activists argue that LNG is harmful due to methane leaks, which are 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20 year period.
The cruise industry's environmental footprint is expanding alongside its growth in popularity. With cruise ticket sales reaching an all time high for 2024, 360 ships are expected to carry 30 million passengers, a 9.2% increase compared to 2019. Constance Dijkstra, a shipping campaigner at Transport & Environment, points out that the growing number and size of cruise ships will exacerbate air and ocean pollution. Despite cruise company's efforts to highlight their green credentials, Dijkstra and other campaigners believe that the industry's progress in reducing its environmental impact is insufficient.
Alternatives and Innovations for Sustainable Cruising
Cruise ships consume enormous amounts of marine fuel, a high carbon footprint variant of fossil fuels. For instance, a large cruise ship can use up to 80,645 gallons of marine fuel daily, leading to significant carbon dioxide emissions. Friends of the Earth reports that a passenger on a Seattle cruise emits eight times more CO2 than a land based tourist in the same city. Additionally, in Europe, the 218 cruise ships operating in 2022 emitted more sulfur oxides than one billion cars. These emissions contribute to acid rain, damage ecosystems, and pose respiratory health risks.
Efforts to mitigate these impacts include port cities like Venice, Amsterdam, and Barcelona restricting cruise ship access to combat pollution and over tourism. Some cruise lines are adopting measures such as energy efficient appliances, shore power connections, recycling programs, and reducing single use plastics. However, the transition away from fossil fuels remains a critical challenge. Carnival Corporation, for instance, is investing in LNG to cut its carbon footprint but faces criticism for the associated methane emissions.
Looking ahead, the cruise industry is exploring various alternative fuels and technologies. Companies like Maersk are investing in methanol, which can significantly reduce CO2 emissions when produced sustainably. Green ammonia, produced using renewable energy, is another potential solution, although it poses safety concerns due to its toxicity. Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten is focusing on battery technology, aiming to launch a zero emissions ship by 2030. Hurtigruten's hybrid engines and use of advanced battery and solar technology exemplify the potential for cleaner cruising, especially in regions like the Arctic.
Despite the challenges, there is optimism for a more sustainable future for the cruise industry. As new technologies and alternative fuels develop, the potential for cruise ships to operate without fossil fuels becomes more tangible. With continued innovation and commitment, the cruise industry can make strides toward significantly reducing its environmental impact.