World’s largest cruise line to install air lubrication technology on at least 20% of ships in its fleet to reduce hull drag, fuel consumption and carbon emissions
On top of the four systems already in operation, the company is currently adding air lubrication to five ships, with plans to install the technology on at least 10 more ships across most of its brands by 2027
MIAMI , October 27, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the world’s largest cruise company, today announced plans to expand its Air Lubrication Systems (ALS) installation program on most cruise line brands in its fleet by 2027, which is expected to generate significant savings in fuel consumption and carbon emissions by reducing hull drag by approximately 5% per vessel.
Carnival Corporation is currently installing the Silverstream® System ALS on five ships in total, including two ships in 2022 for its Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises (UK) brands. In addition, the company is planning at least 10 more installations for existing and new-build ships in more than half of its cruise line brands and expects continued expansion of the ALS program over time. The expansion plans build on the success of the four systems currently operating on ships from its AIDA Cruises and Princess Cruises brands.
ALS technology, which first saw service within Carnival Corporation’s fleet in 2016 with the introduction of AIDAprima, generates a cushion of air bubbles to lubricate the underside of the ship’s hull, reducing friction between the ship and the surrounding water, resulting in savings in power and fuel consumption over a wide speed range.
“The installation of air lubrication technology is another example of our ongoing efforts to drive energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption and emissions across our fleet,” said Bill Burke, chief marine officer for Carnival Corporation. “We look forward to expanding the ALS program and furthering our long-term sustainability strategy to continually invest in a wide range of energy reduction initiatives, which has included over $350 million invested in energy efficiency improvements that from 2016.”
As part of its long-term sustainability plan, Carnival Corporation remains focused on its commitment and efforts to create a path to decarbonization. Having peaked in its absolute carbon emissions in 2011, the company has made significant progress over the past 15 years in reducing its carbon emission intensity – despite significant capacity growth during that time – and has achieved its target of reducing carbon intensity for 2020 three years ahead of schedule (in 2017).
Overall, the company is committed to significant investment to achieve its 2030 sustainability goals and 2050 aspirations, which span six focus areas across the board, including climate action; circular economy; sustainable tourism; good health and well-being; diversity, equity and inclusion; and biodiversity and conservation. Among these priorities, the company is committed to reducing carbon emission intensity by 20% from its 2019 baseline by 2030 and has set an aspiration to achieve net carbon neutral ship operations by 2050.
More information on the company’s sustainability efforts is available at www.CarnivalSustainability.com.
About Carnival Corporation & plc
Carnival Corporation & plc is one of the world’s largest leisure travel companies with a portfolio of nine of the world’s leading cruise lines sailing on all seven continents. With operations in North America, Australia, Europe AND Asiaits portfolio features Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn, P&O Cruises (Australia), Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, P&O Cruises (UK) and Cunard.
Additional information can be found at www.carnivalcorp.com, www.carnival.com, www.princess.com, www.hollandamerica.com, www.seabourn.com, www.pocruises.com.au, www.costacruise.com, www.aida.de, www.pocruises.com and www.cunard.com.
SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc
