THE International Maritime Organization’s Revised Strategy for Reduction of GHG from International Shipping (CW 14 Jul) should be the purveyor for the new technologies and alternative fuels needed in order to achieve net zero, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) believes. The IMO earlier this month released the Revised Strategy, which...
THE International Maritime Organization’s Revised Strategy for Reduction of GHG from International Shipping (CW 14 Jul) should be the purveyor for the new technologies and alternative fuels needed in order to achieve net zero, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) believes.
The IMO earlier this month released the Revised Strategy, which includes reducing the total annual GHG emissions from international shipping by at least 20%, striving for 30%, by 2030 (compared to 2008), and to boost the uptake of low-carbon technologies, fuels, and other energy sources to represent at least 5% of the energy used by international shipping by 2030.
CLIA believes the Revised Strategy sends a strong signal to markets and fuel suppliers, which should provide for what is needed to achieve these goals.
“[The Association] congratulates IMO member states on agreeing to an ambitious Revised Strategy for Reduction of GHG from International Shipping,” it said.
“Cruise lines are at the forefront of developing innovative environmental technologies, and practices aimed at reducing emissions and are investing in the development of sustainable marine fuels and environmental technologies.
“With every new ship comes new technologies and greater efficiencies that make them more sustainable.”
CLIA noted although sustainable marine fuels and technologies are not yet available at scale, cruise lines are addressing these challenges with significant investments and systems designed to help the sector transition to low- and zero-carbon fuels.
“Multiple pilot projects and collaborative initiatives are under way, and new engines and propulsion technologies are actively being planned and tested for use on cruise ships,” CLIA said.
Battery technology is an example of new technologies and innovations embraced by the cruise sector, CLIA noted, with more than 15% of ships entering service in the next five years specified to be equipped with the allowance for hybrid power generation, once the technology is available.
Other trialling includes exploring the expanded use of biofuels and synthetic carbon fuels.
Near-term solutions, which are currently being tested include bio-methanol and biomethane, while more medium-term options include synthetic e-fuels like e-methane and e-methanol.
The first ships incorporating methanol are scheduled to be delivered next year, while seven ships incorporating methanol are due to be launched by CLIA members in the next five years.
