
Carnival Corporation's Use of Technology to Boost Vessel Efficiency and Cut Emissions
Carnival Corporation is actively leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency of its vessels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Here are the key initiatives and technologies being implemented:
Air Lubrication Systems (ALS)
More than 10% of Carnival's fleet is equipped with ALS, which utilizes air bubbles to reduce friction between the hull and water, thereby improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
Podded Propellers
Over 40 ships in the fleet are fitted with high-efficiency, 360-degree steerable propulsion units. These systems can improve fuel efficiency by approximately 7%.
Advanced Hull Technology
Carnival is investing in advanced hull designs and maintenance technologies that help reduce fuel consumption and emissions across its fleet. This includes regular hull cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
Decarbonization Goals
Carnival aims to cut its emissions per passenger-equivalent by 40% by 2026 compared to 2008 levels. In 2023, the company reported total greenhouse gas emissions of 9.65 million tonnes, a reduction from 10.9 million tonnes in 2011.
Sustainability Initiatives
The company is focused on a multi-faceted approach to achieve net-zero emissions, which includes improving energy efficiency and investing in emission-reduction technologies. This includes the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a cleaner fuel alternative.
Recent Achievements
Carnival has reported a 10% reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions compared to its peak historical year. The company continues to enhance its fleet with new, more efficient ships and technologies.
References
- Carnival Corp Leans On Tech To Boost Vessel Efficiency - MarineLink
- Carnival Sustainability - Decarbonization
- Carnival Corporation's sustainability report from 2023 - DigitalOcean
- Carnival cruise line emitted more CO2 than Glasgow in 2023 - National Observer
This comprehensive approach highlights Carnival Corporation's commitment to sustainability and innovation in the maritime industry, aiming to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.