The cruise organization Cruise Lines International Association (Clia) is calling on EU member states to quickly scale up the production of “sustainable marine fuels”.
The association expects the cruise industry to need 44,000 tons by 2025 in order to achieve the EU’s CO2 reduction targets for 2030[ds_preview].
The industry recognises its responsibility. According to Clia, 55 new cruise ships have been ordered, with investments of €33.9 billion. Chairman Jason Liberty said, “Working with global leaders and pioneers in our industry is crucial to ensure that sustainable marine fuels are available, affordable and scalable. That’s why we are intensifying our partnerships with ports, governments and communities to decisively advance the transformation of the maritime sector.”
Clia conducts cruise study
The biggest problem, however, is the availability of sustainable marine fuels. The organisation, therefore, believes it is essential that more ambitious production targets for biofuels and eFuels are set in Europe and beyond.
The expansion of the necessary infrastructure for ports, municipalities and cruise companies remains a challenge. “In order to build the infrastructure for renewable energy, appropriate financing solutions are needed,” says the association, which is calling for maritime transport revenues from the EU Emissions Trading Scheme to be reinvested in the necessary infrastructure and to support the introduction of renewable energy solutions at affordable prices.
Clia is also conducting a research study that looks at fuel infrastructure, technology and shipping routes combined to identify the local investment needed to decarbonize the industry by 2050.
