Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise company, released its 11th annual sustainability report, highlighting its plans to build zero-emission ships by 2050.
The focus areas guiding Carnival Corporation’s sustainability approach are detailed below, including key highlights on current initiatives, short- and long-term commitments and future aspirations.
As part of its strategic plan for carbon footprint reduction, the company leads the cruise industry’s use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power cruise ships with a total of 11 next-generation cruise ships that will have joined the fleet through 2025, which will represent nearly 20% of its total capacity, including four ships already in operation.
The company also pioneered the use of Advanced Air Quality Systems on board its ships and over 80% of its fleet has been equipped with such systems. In addition, 40% of its fleet has been equipped with shore-power capabilities, enabling ships to use shoreside electric power where available while in port.
Sustainability commitments and aspirations under the climate action focus area include:
- Achieve a 40% carbon intensity reduction by 2030, relative to its 2008 baseline measured in both grams of CO2e per ALB-km and grams of CO2e per ALBD. The grams of CO2e per ALB-km goal aligns with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) requirements and the industrywide goal set by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
- Expand an alternative fuels strategy that includes its LNG program and battery, fuel cell and biofuel capabilities.
- Deliver a 50% reduction in absolute particulate matter air emissions by 2030, relative to a 2015 baseline, despite more than a 10% capacity increase since 2015 and the additional 19% capacity increase on order.
- Increase fleetwide shore power connection capability to 60% of the fleet by 2030.
- Reduce Scope 3 (supply chain) emissions associated with food procurement and waste management.
- Aspire to achieve 100% fleetwide shore power connection capability by 2050.
- Aspire to achieve net carbon neutral ship operations by 2050.
This comprehensive set of 2030 goals and aspirations for 2050 being introduced for the first time reaffirm our ongoing commitment to sustainability and will guide our actions to further strengthen sustainability performance throughout all aspects of our global operations, while supporting opportunities for sustainable growth across our organization over time.
…said Bill Burke, chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation.
