Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has confirmed its commitment to pursuing net-zero carbon cruising by 2050.
Global Chief Executive Officer Kelly Craighead said at the Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami: “The industry is acting now for the future.
“We are reducing the carbon footprint of our ships while at berth and at sea investing in advanced environmental technologies and partnering with cities and ports on sustainable destination management.
“By equipping cruise ships with the ability to connect shoreside power and using it where available, the cruise industry is prepared to eliminate emissions while at port for the benefit of local communities…this is responsible tourism in action.”
CLIA also announced they will be working with Global Maritime Forum Call to Action for Shipping Decarbonisation, towards a goal of making zero-emission ships and fuel alternatives the standard choice by 2030, just weight years from now.
Piefranccesco Vago, the Chairman of CLIA said: “…the cruise industry has an extraordinary ability to innovate, and we want to channel our collective expertise and commitment to help find solutions as an active partner in the effort to decarbonise shipping.
“We continue to set ambitious carbon reduction goals as an industry, and cruise lines are showing the way by partnering with fuel suppliers, shipyards, technology manufacturers and academic institutions to develop new lower carbon fuel sources.”
Also discussed at Seatrade Cruise Global was the positive forward direction of the cruise industry, with over 7.5 million passengers sailing across almost 90 markets since the cruise ban.
CLIA’s research showed that 69% of people who had never cruised before were open to the idea and 63% of those who have are likely or very likely to take a cruise in the next two years.
Ms Craighead said: “As the industry resumes operations, passenger volume is expected to recover and surpass 2019 levels by the end of 2023, with passenger volumes projected to recover 12% above pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2026.
“Cruising is accessible, responsible, and experiential – making it the best way to see the world for people of all ages and interests. With the support of an incredibly resilient community, the future of the cruise industry is bright.”
Click here for more information
