Massive cruise company Carnival Corp. & plc has announced its 2020 sustainability goals and highlighted its plans to add liquefied natural gas (LNG) ships to its fleet.
With 10 global brands, 100 ships and 11 million annual guests, the company has established 10 major goals for reducing its environmental footprint over the next five years – while enhancing the health, safety and security of its guests and crewmembers and ensuring sustainable business practices across its brands, business partners and suppliers.
Carnival announced in November that it had met its corporate goal to reduce its rate of equivalent carbon dioxide (CO2e) emissions from shipboard operations by 20% – a year ahead of its initial plan.
After meeting the goal a year ahead of schedule, Carnival has renewed its goal to continue reducing the rate of CO2e emissions by 25% from its 2005 baseline. As part of the effort, the company and its 10 brands have developed strategic energy reduction and conservation initiatives, many of which exceed current laws and regulations.
One such initiative is the company's recent announcement that its four next-generation cruise ships for Costa Cruises and AIDA Cruises will be the first in the industry to be powered at sea by LNG.Â
The natural gas will generate 100% of the ships' power both in port and on the open sea. Additionally, says Carnival, when AIDAprima launches in 2016, it will be the first cruise ship in the world that has a dual-fuel engine for an energy supply with LNG while in port, along with a connection to shoreside power and an extensive filter system for the treatment of exhaust.
Other 2020 goals include waste reduction and water efficiency, among others.
