- Modern cruise ships are now twice as large as those from 2000, with future projections suggesting ships could reach 345,000 gross tonnage by 2050.
- The cruise industry’s expansion has led to a 20% increase in CO2 emissions in Europe since 2019, despite shifts to LNG fuel.
- T&E urges stricter climate regulations, transparency, and a potential ticket tax to mitigate the environmental impact of cruise ships.
According to a recent report by Transport & Environment (T&E), today’s largest cruise ships are now twice as big as those from the year 2000. If this growth trend continues, by 2050, the largest cruise ships could reach an astonishing 345,000 gross tonnage, nearly eight times the size of the Titanic. This rapid expansion in ship size reflects the booming popularity of cruise vacations, but it also comes with significant environmental drawbacks, reports Safety4sea.
Environmental changes
The cruise industry has experienced remarkable growth over the past fifty years, with the number of ships increasing twentyfold from 21 in 1970 to 515 today. This surge in ship numbers and sizes has led to a notable rise in CO2 emissions. In Europe, emissions from cruise ships were nearly 20% higher in 2022 compared to 2019, before the pandemic.
In response to environmental concerns, many cruise operators are transitioning to liquefied natural gas (LNG), which emits less CO2 and pollutants than traditional heavy fuel oil. However, LNG combustion releases methane, a greenhouse gas that is over 80 times more potent than CO2. T&E emphasizes that e-fuels, such as e-methanol, offer a greener alternative that could significantly reduce emissions. E-fuels could power nearly 4% of European shipping by 2030, with benefits including lower future fuel costs due to EU carbon pricing.
To address the environmental impact of cruise ships, T&E proposes several measures:
- Accelerate Decarbonisation: Implement stricter climate requirements for cruise ships, including earlier decarbonization deadlines, mandatory shore-side electricity at ports, and increased use of e-fuels.
- Introduce Ticket Taxes: Implement a tax on cruise tickets to generate climate finance, with potential revenues used to support energy transitions, particularly in developing regions.
- Restrict Traffic: Limit cruise ship traffic in vulnerable areas and establish no-cruise zones in sensitive environments, permitting only those ships that meet high environmental standards.
- Enhance Transparency: Require full disclosure of cruise ship emissions and address methane slips in LNG engines to combat greenwashing and provide consumers with accurate information.
By adopting these recommendations, the cruise industry can begin to address its environmental impact and align with global climate goals.
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Source: Safety4sea
