Cruise industry annual environmental technologies and practices data shows continued progress toward environmental sustainability goals

Highlights from the industry's 2024 Environmental Technologies and Practices report include:

Fleet Profile

Fuel Flexibility 

CLIA member cruise lines are investing in new ships and engines that allow for fuel flexibility. This includes capability to use renewable biodiesel, investments in the capability to use green methanol when available, and liquified natural gas (LNG). Ships designed with engines and fuel supply systems able to operate on LNG will be able to switch to zero and near-zero fuels such as bio or synthetic LNG in the future, with no engine modifications.

LNG has virtually zero sulfur emissions and particulate emissions, reduces NOx emissions by approximately 85% and achieves up to a 20% reduction in GHG emissions. Multiple reports confirm that methane slip (small amounts of escaped methane) – an acknowledged issue with LNG engines – is on a path to be nearly eradicated, with some industry stakeholders claiming that slip values of less than 1% is achievable within the next few years.

Selective Catalytic Reduction Technology (SCR)

Selective Catalytic Reduction technology (SCR) reduces particulate matter and nitrogen oxides emissions, thus helping ships to meet IMO Tier III classification standards for nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx).

Onshore Power Supply (OPS)—also referred to as Shoreside Electricity (SSE) Capability

Plugging in to OPS when ships are in port allows ships' engines to be switched off, achieving significant overall pollutant emissions reductions of up to 98%, depending on the mix of energy sources, according to studies conducted by a number of the world's ports and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Across the CLIA cruise line member fleet:

CLIA champions the advancement of onshore power infrastructure as an important component in the industry's work to reduce emissions and supports continued development of cost-effective infrastructure for clean shoreside electricity in cruise ports when the net impact delivers an overall emission reduction.

In 2022, CLIA announced that its ocean cruise line members made a commitment that all ships calling at ports capable of providing OPS will be equipped to either use shore power by 2035 or be able to use alternative low-carbon technologies, as available, to reduce emissions in port.

As part of the EU's Fit for 55 decarbonization regulations, by 2030 major ports in Europe will be required to have shoreside power, which will further accelerate port infrastructure investment in that region.

Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS)

The majority of CLIA-member cruise ships sailing today utilize advanced wastewater treatment systems (AWTS), which are capable of exceeding MARPOL Annex IV requirements and perform better than shoreside treatment plants in some coastal cities. In addition, as part of their overarching sustainability focus, cruise lines have committed to not release untreated sewage anywhere in the world, during normal operations.

Freshwater production

About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

CLIA is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice for the industry as the leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of its members, affiliates and partners, the organization supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for millions of travelers who cruise annually. This year, CLIA forecasts that the annual number of passengers will reach 35.7 million passengers— surpassing 2019 levels. The CLIA community includes the world's most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a widespread network of stakeholders, including ports and destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services; and highly trained and certified travel agent members that represent the largest network of travel professionals specializing in cruise travel. The organization's global headquarters are in Washington, DC, with regional offices located in North and South America, Europe and Australasia. For more information, please visit cruising.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube with our handle @CLIAGlobal—or on LinkedIn.

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