Environmental Sustainability
Although cruise ships comprise less than 1% of the global maritime community, the cruise industry is at the forefront of the development of innovative technologies and practices to reduce emissions and protect the environment.
Cruise is Sailing to a Better Future
Cruise lines are leading the way toward a more sustainable future, investing in innovative technologies aboard our global fleet of cruise ships.
Ships
267
are capable of producing freshwater on board
Percent
61%
of global capacity are fitted to operate on onshore power
Ships
225
ships are equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems
Sailing Towards Sustainable Fuels
CLIA ocean-going cruise lines are sailing to a better future - pursuing fuel flexibility by investing today in engine technologies with conversion capabilities for the future
Reducing emissions while at berth and at sea
Investing in advanced environmental technologies onboard
Partnering with cities and ports on sustainable destination management
Global Reach, Local Impact
CLIA member cruise lines are dedicated to ambitious sustainability goals, both as individual companies and as part of a collective industry, making significant strides toward a more sustainable future. CLIA proudly supports its members in advancing globally recognized environmental and social standards, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to safeguard the planet for future generations. With a global reach and a local impact, the cruise industry is actively aligning its operations with these critical sustainability objectives.
CLIA and its members have identified key SDGs where the industry is making a tangible difference, including:
- Climate Action
- Sustainable Cities and Communities
- Good Health and Well-Being
- Life Below Water
- Life on Land
Pursuing Net Zero Emissions by 2050
Cruise lines are actively pursuing net zero emissions by 2050, consistent with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2023 Strategy on Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions from Ships.
Reducing emissions at berth and at sea (technologies, infrastructure and operational efficiencies)
Investing in new ships and engines that allow for fuel flexibility to use low- to zero-GHG fuels, once available at scale
Conducting multiple trials and pilot programs to test sustainable fuels and technologies.
Employing a range of environmental technologies and practices to advance sustainability initiatives.
Data
Environmental Technologies and Practices (ETP)
Aggregated data across CLIA’s global oceangoing cruise line membership. The data reflects the number of ships equipped with certain technologies, corresponding passenger capacities (lower berth at double occupancy) and the percentage of the entire fleet represented.
