Environmental Advances in the Cruise Industry
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), a prominent voice in the global cruise industry, has unveiled its latest findings regarding environmental practices and technologies within its member fleets. This annual Environmental Technologies and Practices (ETP) report provides a comprehensive overview of the environmental technologies adopted by CLIA-member ocean-going cruise lines, which cover more than 90% of the industry's total capacity. The report spans insights from 2018 to 2025, offering a timeline of substantial and measurable improvements across various environmental categories, including operational efficiency and the implementation of alternative fuels.
Key Findings from the 2025 ETP Report
This year's report illustrates the unwavering commitment of CLIA-member cruise lines to advance a progressive environmental agenda. This commitment encompasses experimental uses of biofuels, investments in innovative fuel-flexible engines, and an increasing reliance on lower-emission fuel alternatives, all while maximizing energy efficiency.
As stated by the president and CEO of CLIA, Bud Darr, cruise lines are noted as pioneers in adopting and innovating maritime technologies. These advancements encompass sophisticated wastewater management systems, shore power capabilities, and state-of-the-art air lubrication systems. Furthermore, there is a notable expansion of dual-fuel engine technology, which sets a benchmark for other sectors within maritime logistics. Darr highlighted that cruise lines are directing significant financial resources, amounting to tens of billions of dollars, toward constructing a future-forward fleet. More than 80 new ships are currently on order globally, showcasing these environmental innovations.
Growth in the Fleet
Current Fleet Overview
As of mid-2025, the CLIA boasts a member roster of 45 cruise lines, collectively representing 90% of global oceangoing capacity. These member lines operate a total of 310 ships with approximately 637,847 lower berths. This marks a slight increase when compared to the previous year's figures, which counted 303 ships and 645,034 lower berths. A closer analysis reveals that approximately 73% of the oceangoing cruise fleet comprises smaller to mid-sized ships, each accommodating fewer than 3,000 lower berths, a trend expected to persist through 2036.
The fleet is categorized based on size, with small ships (less than 1,000 lower berths) constituting 34.2% of the total. Mid-size ships (1,000 to 3,000 lower berths) account for 38.4%, while large ships (over 3,000 lower berths) represent 27.4% of the fleet.
Pursuing Net-Zero Emissions
Infrastructure and Technology Advancements
A continued focus on achieving net-zero emissions drives investment into multi-fuel capable ships, which are designed to utilize zero and minimal emission fuels as they become available. The move toward more flexible engine technology represents a revolution, allowing for easy transitions between conventional and sustainable fuels. Since 2018, the number of ships equipped with multi-fuel engines has surged from one to 19, with projections indicating this figure could rise to 23 by the end of 2025, inclusive of the first tri-fuel capable cruise ship.
Additionally, cruise lines are actively phasing out Heavy Fuel Oil in favor of more eco-friendly alternatives, such as biofuels and LNG, with several new ships set to operate on methanol by 2026. Enhanced connectivity to onshore power supply (OPS) also plays a pivotal role. OPS capabilities enable vessels to shut down engines while docked, achieving emissions reductions of up to 98% depending on energy source mixes. From 2018 until now, the number of equipped ships has doubled, reflecting a robust commitment to sustainability across 166 ships today, which represents roughly 58% of CLIA member fleets.
Water and Waste Management Practices
Innovations in Sustainability
Innovative systems allowing for freshwater production onboard have become a key focus for the majority of CLIA-member lines. Freshwater generation methods, including steam evaporation and reverse osmosis, have enabled 279 ships to meet most of their water needs independently, accounting for over 98% of the fleet and approximately 99.9% of global capacity.
Moreover, advancements in wastewater treatment, leveraging advanced wastewater treatment systems (AWTS), adhere to and exceed international regulations, besides committing to avoiding the discharge of untreated sewage worldwide. Currently, 234 ships are equipped with these systems, encapsulating an impressive growth trajectory in both ship count and passenger capacity. This mirrors a growing trend toward environmental responsibility across the cruise industry.
Waste Management Innovations
Innovative Approaches to Waste Disposal
In conjunction with minimizing emissions, cruise lines are embracing next-gen waste management technologies designed to manage on-board waste more sustainably. A noteworthy initiative includes waste-to-energy gasification systems operational on eight cruise ships aimed at converting waste into energy to support operational needs. Furthermore, microbial digesters have become prevalent for food waste management, implemented on 128 ships, drastically reducing waste sent to landfills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the CLIA report cover?
The CLIA report details advancements in environmental technologies and practices adopted by cruise lines from 2018 to 2025.
How has the fleet composition changed?
The fleet consists of 310 ships, with a notable increase in smaller to mid-sized vessels.
What are multi-fuel capable ships?
Multi-fuel ships can switch between conventional and zero-emission fuels easily.
What are the emissions reductions possible with onshore power?
Onshore power supply allows for emissions reductions up to 98% while in port.
How is wastewater handled on cruise ships?
Most ships are now equipped with advanced wastewater treatment systems that exceed international standards.
