Cruise industry is acting now for the future by reducing the carbon footprint of their ships while at berth (Photo; CLIA twitter)
New information demonstrating the cruise industry’s resilience has been revealed by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the industry association, at Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami. The study predicts that the sector will recover and surpass 2019 levels by the end of 2023.
“As the industry resumes operations, passenger volume is expected to recover and surpass 2019 levels by the end of 2023, with passenger volumes projected to recover 12 pc above pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2026,” says Kelly Craighead, President and CEO, CLIA.
“Cruising is accessible, responsible, and experiential – making it the best way to see the world for people of all ages and interests. With the support of an incredibly resilient community, the future of the cruise industry is bright,” Craighead adds.
One of the key findings of the consumer research is that the intent to cruise amongst potential travellers is rebounding strongly, after having remained muted for a long time. About 63 pc of cruisers or potential cruisers have indicated they are ‘very likely’ or ‘likely’ to cruise in the next two years. Not only the old-timers but cruises seem to be attracting even new customers as 69 pc of respondents that have never cruised say they are open to cruise, much higher than the pre-pandemic levels. Millennial cruisers have showed most enthusiasm about taking another cruise, with 87 pc indicating they will take a cruise in the next few years, followed by Gen X at 85 pc.
Focus on sustainable cruises
CLIA and its member lines also announced important environmental sustainability commitments that will drive innovation for a more efficient future. These include a commitment by CLIA ocean-going members to pursue net-zero carbon cruising by 2050. Further to that, by 2035 all ships calling at ports where shoreside electricity (SSE) is available will be equipped to use SSE, allowing engines to be switched off and effectively eliminating carbon emissions while berthed at port. And at places where shoreside power is not available, the ships will use available alternative low carbon technologies required by ports.
According to CLIA, the industry is acting now for the future. The industry is reducing the carbon footprint of their ships while at berth. At sea they are investing in advanced environmental technologies and partnering with cities and ports on sustainable destination management. By equipping cruise ships with the ability to connect shoreside power and using it where available, the cruise industry will be prepared to eliminate emissions while at port for the benefit of local communities.
CLIA also shared that it will join the Global Maritime Forum’s call to action for shipping decarbonisation to make zero emission vessels and fuels the default choice by 2030.
“The cruise industry has an extraordinary ability to innovate, and we want to channel our collective expertise and commitment to help find solutions as an active partner in the effort to decarbonise shipping. We continue to set ambitious carbon reduction goals as an industry, and cruise lines are showing the way by partnering with fuel suppliers, shipyards, technology manufacturers and academic institutions to develop new lower carbon fuel sources. We are investing in our future,” says Pierfrancesco Vago, Chairman, CLIA.
