World’s Largest Cruise Ship Raises Methane Emission Concerns on Maiden Voyage
The Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship, is preparing for its highly anticipated maiden voyage this Saturday. However, environmental groups have expressed concerns about the potential methane emissions from the liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered vessel. While LNG is considered a cleaner fuel compared to traditional marine fuel, it poses greater risks for methane leakage, which can have harmful effects on the climate.
Environmental experts argue that the use of LNG as a marine fuel emits over 120% more life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than marine gas oil. Methane, in particular, is a potent greenhouse gas that is 80 times worse than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. Therefore, reducing methane emissions is crucial in mitigating global temperature warming.
Cruise ships like the Icon of the Seas utilize low-pressure, dual-fuel engines, which are known to leak methane into the atmosphere during the combustion process. This phenomenon, referred to as “methane slip,” is a concern for environmentalists. While there are engines used in other types of ships that emit less methane, they are not suitable for cruise ships due to their size.
Royal Caribbean, the company behind the Icon of the Seas, claims that the new ship is 24% more efficient in terms of carbon emissions than what is required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the global shipping regulator. LNG emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO), which powers most of the current global shipping fleet.
The conversion of natural gas into power in cruise ship engines is a critical process. Any unconverted gas can escape into the atmosphere during combustion, contributing to methane emissions. However, engine technology has significantly improved over the years. Wartsila, the company responsible for developing the cruise ship’s engines, states that their natural gas engine technology now emits 90% less methane than it did decades ago.
Research funded by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and other partners suggests that cruise ship engines have an average methane slip of 6.4%, higher than the IMO’s assumption of 3.5%. Recognizing the importance of addressing methane emissions, the IMO has included it in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gases.
Looking ahead, the cruise industry is expected to see a significant increase in LNG-powered ships. Out of the 54 ships scheduled for delivery between January 2024 and December 2028, 63% are expected to run on LNG. Currently, only 6% of the 300 cruise ships in operation are fueled by LNG. However, newer cruise ships are being designed to run on various fuels, including traditional marine gas oil, LNG, and alternative options like bio-LNG.
Royal Caribbean acknowledges the evolving market and plans to adapt its fuel usage accordingly. Nick Rose, the company’s vice president of environmental, social, and governance, emphasizes that LNG is just one aspect of their overall strategy.
As the Icon of the Seas embarks on its maiden voyage, the concerns surrounding methane emissions serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts needed to address climate change in the maritime industry. While LNG offers certain advantages in terms of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, it is crucial for cruise companies to continue investing in cleaner technologies and fuel alternatives to minimize their environmental impact.