As the world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of Seas, began its maiden voyage on Saturday from Miami, environmental groups are concerned about the release of methane by the ship’s liquefied natural gas-powered vessel.
Royal Caribbean International’s cruise, with a capacity for 8,000 passengers across 20 decks, has come on board at a time when a surge in cruise travelers is expected this year.
Bryan Comer, director of the Marine Program at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), an environmental policy think tank said, “It’s a step in the wrong direction.”
The ship is designed to operate on liquefied natural gas (LNG), which is cleaner-burning than conventional marine fuel. However, there are higher concerns about methane emissions.
Environmental groups argue that methane leaks from the ship’s engines pose a significant risk to the climate due to their short-term harmful effects.
“We would estimate that using LNG as a marine fuel emits over 120% more life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than marine gas oil,” Comer said.
Royal Caribbean states that its new ship exceeds the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) carbon emission requirements by 24%.
Cruise ships like the Icon of the Seas utilize low-pressure, dual-fuel engines, leading to methane leakage into the atmosphere during combustion, a phenomenon known as “methane slip,” as explained by industry experts.
While there are two other engines emitting less methane, they are too tall to fit into a cruise ship and are typically used on bulk carriers or container ships.
Nick Rose, the Vice President of Environmental, Social, and Governance at Royal Caribbean, mentioned that the company will adapt and use various fuels as the market changes.
