Increase in Popularity of Ocean Voyages - Reasons Behind the Growth of Cruise Liners
In the rapidly evolving world of tourism, the cruise industry is making significant strides towards becoming more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. According to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the industry is expected to carry nearly 38 million passengers worldwide this year, a 9% increase from last year.
The high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of cruises have long been a subject of criticism. However, industry leaders are now focusing on adopting cutting-edge technologies and operational improvements to reduce these impacts.
One key advancement is the implementation of energy-efficient ship systems and smart controls. For instance, the Meyer Turku shipyard is incorporating energy-efficient central heating in new ships, combined with compressed air optimisation and smart ventilation systems. These changes result in significant annual electricity savings, often amounting to thousands of MWh. LED and intelligent lighting systems further reduce energy use while improving safety and illumination quality.
Another innovative solution is the integration of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) on cruise ships, pioneered by HD Hyundai. These systems generate electricity electrochemically from hydrogen or ammonia, resulting in zero direct CO₂ emissions when using green fuels. SOFCs also enable waste heat recovery for onboard systems, improving energy efficiency by 40–50% compared to traditional engines. Moreover, SOFCs can run on multiple fuels, future-proofing ships against evolving regulations.
The use of alternative fuels and biofuels is another area of focus. Cruise lines like Hurtigruten are operating using certified biofuels from vetted sources to reduce their carbon footprint, demonstrating the real-world application of sustainable fuel alternatives.
Existing ships are also adopting operational changes such as slow steaming and hull efficiency measures to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions within a limited time frame. The shipping industry is under increasing pressure to meet International Maritime Organization (IMO) targets, which demand substantial greenhouse gas intensity reductions by 2030 and 2035.
Innovative propulsion aids, such as specialized retractable sails and wind-assist technologies, can reduce energy consumption by 10-15%, further lowering fuel use and emissions.
Professor Alexis Papathanassis emphasises the importance of sustainability in the cruise industry, which is a small part of international tourism. He notes that cruises are no longer considered an elitist event, with an average cruise costing as much as an upscale package tour.
Cruises offer tourists the advantage of visiting multiple locations without constantly packing and unpacking. Moreover, cruises now offer various amenities such as multiple restaurants, shops, excursions, bars, and services to generate additional revenue. Artificial intelligence and robotics are predicted to become increasingly important on cruise ships, allowing for digital expansion without making the ship physically larger.
However, the problem of fuel remains. Despite the industry's efforts to transition to CO2-free cruises by 2050, according to the International Cruise Lines Association (CLIA), liquid gas (LNG) is considered a bridging technology, reducing CO2 emissions but with potential methane leaks during production and transportation.
Professor Papathanassis suggests that shipowners have an interest in making cruises more energy-efficient and eco-friendly, both for image and cost reasons. He notes that the changes to make cruises more energy-efficient and eco-friendly would benefit both the industry and the environment.
As the cruising industry continues to grow, it is clear that sustainability will play an increasingly important role. The integration of smart energy management, cleaner fuels, and novel propulsion methods is transforming cruise ships into more eco-friendly vessels poised to meet stringent future regulations.
In Bremen, a city known for its finance and technology sector, a prominent shipyard, Meyer Turku, is contributing to the eco-friendly transformation of the cruise industry. They are incorporating energy-efficient central heating, compressed air optimization, and smart ventilation systems into new ships, aiming to significantly reduce annual electricity consumption and carbon footprint.
Embracing a sustainable lifestyle, Hurtigruten, a cruise line based in Norway, operates using certified biofuels to minimize emissions. As the travel industry evolves, cruises are no longer just about luxury; they're also about exploring the possibilities of clean technologies, such as Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) on HD Hyundai's ships, which generate electricity with zero direct CO₂ emissions and improve energy efficiency by 40–50%.
