Cruise ships have seen their size double over the past 20 years, a trend that could result in even larger vessels navigating the world’s oceans in the future, according to a new report. The study, conducted by the European clean energy lobby group Transport and Environment (T&E), highlights the environmental concerns associated with the rapidly expanding global cruise industry.
Projected Growth and Historical Comparison
The report projects that by 2050, the largest cruise ships could be nearly eight times the size of the Titanic, the largest passenger ship in 1912, which measured approximately 269 meters (883 feet). “Today’s cruisezillas make the Titanic look like a small fishing boat,” said Inesa Ulichina, sustainable shipping officer at T&E. She expressed concern over the size and environmental impact of these increasingly massive vessels.
Industry Response to Environmental Claims
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the largest cruise industry trade group, disputes several claims made in the report. CLIA argues that many of the report’s assertions are inconsistent with verified data, particularly regarding ship size and emissions. The association points to EU (MRV) database statistics showing a 16% average reduction in emissions per ship over the past five years.
Rise in Number of Cruise Ships
According to T&E, the number of cruise ships has surged from 21 in 1970 to 515 today. Notably, Royal Caribbean’s Voyager of the Seas, launched in 1999 with a gross tonnage of 137,276, was once the largest cruise ship globally. The current record-holder, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, launched in January 2024, measures 1,198 feet and boasts seven swimming pools and a 17,000-square-foot water park, with a gross tonnage of 248,663.
Environmental Concerns and Emissions
T&E’s report highlights that CO2 emissions from cruise ships in Europe were nearly 20% higher in 2022 compared to 2019. Cruise ships and other maritime vessels are estimated to contribute nearly 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually, according to the International Maritime Organization. The report suggests that imposing a 50-euro ($54) tax on a typical cruise ticket could potentially generate 1.6 billion euros ($1.75 billion) globally.
Industry Commitments to Sustainability
CLIA countered these concerns by emphasizing that 60% of cruise ships currently in operation or planned for the next decade are small- to mid-sized vessels, and the global fleet is more energy-efficient than ever. The association has committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, focusing on sustainable fuels and investing billions in advanced technologies to enhance environmental performance.
Conclusion
As the cruise industry continues to expand, both in size and number, the environmental implications remain a significant concern. While industry leaders work towards greater sustainability, the debate over the balance between growth and ecological impact is likely to continue. This ongoing issue will be monitored and updated as new information becomes available.