The Future of Cruising: 65% of New Ships to Use Alternative Fuels

This trend is more than just a nice gesture. It represents a massive investment in the future. The new vessels, including the Emerald Kaia and the Seven Seas Prestige, will expand the industry's capacity by over 33,000 beds. This is an investment of more than 10 billion US dollars, demonstrating how serious cruise lines are about climate change. A major reason for this is the new EU regulation called FuelEU Maritime, which imposes stricter emission rules from 2025 onwards.

A large part of the new fleet relies on liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel. This decision offers a significant advantage, as LNG is a proven technology. Ships with dual-fuel engines can be operated not only with fossil LNG but also with more eco-friendly bio-LNG or e-methane as soon as these become available in larger quantities. For instance, AIDA Cruises has already consumed over 3,300 tons of bio-LNG in the first half of 2025.

However, there is a downside, the so-called methane slip paradox. Methane, the main component of LNG, is an extremely harmful greenhouse gas. Recent studies show that a significant amount of methane escapes unburnt from the engines. This methane slip is much higher than what regulators had assumed, which can severely jeopardize the supposed positive climate balance of LNG. This is why environmental organizations are critical, calling LNG a "pseudo-solution."

Nevertheless, LNG serves as a good bridge, as the necessary infrastructure, the bunkering hubs, are already available in many ports like Hamburg, Rotterdam, and Singapore.

While LNG powers the majority of new builds, some cruise lines are forging ahead. Viking Cruises, for example, is planning a hydrogen-powered cruise ship for 2026. This project proves that the technology is feasible, but the costs are still very high, and the infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and bunkering is not yet mature.

Other green technologies are also being tested: The new Orient Express fleet will use sails with SolidSail technology in addition to its LNG propulsion to harness wind power and save fuel.

The cruise industry must comply with two important regulatory frameworks: the EU's FuelEU Maritime regulation and the IMO Net-Zero Framework from the International Maritime Organization. Both demand a gradual reduction in emissions. Cruise lines are relying on LNG to clear the first hurdles, but they must realize that they will eventually have to switch to truly green fuels.

These e-fuels, produced from renewable energy, are the key to meeting the stricter targets from 2040 onwards. However, their industrial production is not yet widespread and is therefore extremely expensive. Securing the long-term supply of these clean fuels remains the biggest challenge for the industry. Only if the revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System are invested in the development of these fuels can the industry achieve its ambitious climate goals.