Icon of the Seas, recognized as the world’s largest cruise ship, is poised for its inaugural journey on Saturday. However, environmental concerns have arisen over its use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) power. Experts fear methane emissions from such large vessels could significantly impact the atmosphere.
Operated by Royal Caribbean International, the Miami-departing ship can accommodate 8,000 passengers. It features 20 decks, reflecting the increasing demand for cruise vacations.
The ship’s LNG propulsion is cleaner than traditional marine fuels but carries a higher risk of methane leakage. Environmental groups, highlighting methane’s potent short-term climate impact, deem this a critical issue.
ICCT’s Marine Program director Bryan Comer stated, “LNG as a marine fuel emits substantially more greenhouse gases than marine gas oil.”
Methane’s warming effect is notably severe, 80 times more impactful than carbon dioxide over two decades. Therefore, reducing methane emissions is vital for global temperature control.
Industry experts explain that cruise ships like Icon of the Seas experience ‘methane slip’ during combustion with low-pressure, dual-fuel engines. Due to size constraints, alternative engines with lower methane emissions are unsuitable for cruise ships.
Royal Caribbean asserts that Icon of the Seas surpasses International Maritime Organization (IMO) carbon efficiency standards by 24%.
Methane leakage remains a concern despite LNG’s lower emissions than conventional shipping fuels. Juha Kytölä of Wärtsilä, the engine’s developer, emphasizes the need for complete natural gas conversion to energy in engines.
ICCT-funded research from 2024 shows an average methane slip of 6.4% in cruise ship engines, compared to the IMO’s estimated 3.5%.
Anna Barford from Stand Earth noted the IMO’s recent focus on methane in its greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
Forecast data suggests that 63% of the 54 ships launched by 2028 will use LNG. Presently, LNG fuels only 6% of the 300 cruise ships in operation.
New cruise ships are being designed for flexibility in fuel usage, including bio-LNG. According to Nick Rose, the company’s Vice President of Environmental, Social, and Governance, Royal Caribbean plans to adapt to evolving market fuels. He stated, “LNG is a part of our broader environmental strategy.”
