An opportunity to ensure our future.
Net-Zero Emissions
CLIA cruise lines globally have committed to net-zero emissions by 2050 – in line with the Paris Agreement, and International Maritime Organization – and are making significant progress towards their goals.
Cruise lines have been investing billions in new ships, technologies, and propulsion systems to reduce their environmental impact.
The ships of today are among the cleanest and most efficient to have ever sailed, and each new ship brings greater efficiencies, new technologies and new environmental advances.
Reducing Emissions at Berth
Cruise lines have been rapidly increasing their ability to use Onshore Power Supply (OPS), which allows ships to use renewable electricity in port. OPS means ships can switch off their engines and virtually eliminate emissions while at berth.
Already, 147 ships are able to connect to OPS, or 52% of the total CLIA fleet. By 2028 this figure will increase to 239 ships.
Reducing Waste
Cruise ships employ complex systems to manage and reduce waste, including sophisticated processes for recycling on board.
Some cruise operators are able to repurpose up to 100% of waste generated on board by removing, reusing, recycling, or converting waste to energy.
Cruise lines have placed a particular focus on reducing or eliminating single-use plastics wherever possible. Other initiatives are aimed at reducing food waste, including the introduction of biodigesters which use microorganisms to help break down organic material.
Protecting our Oceans
Cruise ships don’t discharge untreated sewage at sea under any circumstances. Instead, ships use onboard treatment systems to meet or exceed international standards for water quality.
In fact, the majority of CLIA member cruise ships sailing today utilise Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS), which not only exceed requirements but often perform to a higher standard than shoreside treatment plants used in many coastal cities.
Across the CLIA cruise line member fleet, 225 ships, or 80% of the fleet are equipped with AWTS (an 11% increase from 2023 and a 65% increase from 2018).
Cruise ships represent 1% of ships on the ocean
Efficient Fuel Advancements
Cruise lines are working to perfect the next generation of fuels and propulsion systems, exploring sustainable energy sources like biofuels, methanol, hydrogen, fuel cells, electric batteries, and hybrid systems.
Cruise ships represent less than 1% of ships on the ocean, with just 322 ships operating worldwide. However, they are at the forefront of implementing the measures that will take the maritime sector to net zero.
48% of ships on order are being designed with liquified natural gas (LNG) engines and fuel supply systems capable of running on renewable marine fuels once fuel providers are able to make them available at scale. LNG is important as it reduces CO2 emissions by 20%.
CLIA Europe’s Vice President of Sustainability noted that 3/4 of the world’s vessels can sail on sustainable fuels. A spate of recent announcements shows ship designers are working overtime to use every conceivable type of propulsion to help move their passengers more sustainably.
Cruise Association Conference
Kirstie Hewlett - Maritime NZ Chief Executive
Sustainable Supply Chains and Sectors
Maritime NZ is helping the Cruise Industry be more Sustainable:
• Improving the Maritime Rules framework to achieve better outcomes and reduce regulatory burden where appropriate, including enabling innovation.
• Supporting understanding of the impact of policies on maritime matters and supply chains, including the cruise sector (often with MBIE).
• Influencing sustainable future operations of cruise in NZ.
Stakeholder Perceptions
Environmental Insight
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Aware sector is working to reduce emissions and environmental impact.
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No clear visibility on key efforts underway to improve local perception.
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Public perception remains distrusting of the sector, generally unaware.
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Efficient ships are great but NZ lacks infrastructure and investment.
Efficiency Gains Through Technology
Cruise lines are increasingly using advanced software to optimise fuel efficiency and reduce energy use.
Efficiency tracking systems are now in use on 171 CLIA-member ships, allowing them to monitor areas like the energy use in a ship’s galley or make navigational decisions that save fuel.
Many cruise lines now monitor fleet operations remotely from their land-based offices, allowing them to analyse data on a range of factors such as routes, speed, engine performance and emissions.
Each new class of ship that is launched is around 20% more efficient than the last.
Good News Stories
Reducing Emissions at Sea
There are 32 pilot projects and collaborative initiatives underway with sustainable fuel producers and engine companies testing sustainable fuels and technologies.
Importantly, there are already ships sailing today with the capability to use low-emission fuels with little modification once these fuels become available at scale.
These include ships currently operating on LNG as a transition fuel. LNG has virtually zero sulphur emissions and particulate emissions, reduces NOx emissions by approximately 85% and achieves up to a 20% reduction in GHG emissions.
Currently, 19 ships, or 13% of the fleet operate on LNG, which will be able to switch to zero and near-zero fuels when they are readily available.