The largest cruise ship in the world, the Icon of the Seas, has embarked on its maiden voyage from Miami, Florida. With concerns about its methane emissions, the 365m-long vessel, owned by Royal Caribbean Group, can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers and boasts impressive amenities such as seven swimming pools, six water slides, and over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges.
However, environmentalists are warning about the potential harmful effects of the ship’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) power source, which could lead to methane leaks into the atmosphere. Despite the cleaner burning nature of LNG compared to traditional marine fuels, there is a risk that some gas could escape, leading to methane emissions that are much more potent than carbon dioxide.
Bryan Comer, director of the Marine Programme at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), stated that using LNG as a marine fuel could result in over 120% more life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than marine gas oil. The ICCT has raised concerns about the higher methane emissions from LNG-fueled ships than what current regulations assume.
With methane being a powerful greenhouse gas that traps 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over 20 years, reducing these emissions is critical in efforts to combat global warming. Despite its efficiency and plans for a net-zero ship by 2035, Royal Caribbean is facing scrutiny over the environmental impact of the Icon of the Seas.
The cruise industry, which is a rapidly growing sector of tourism, is particularly popular among young people. The trade body Cruise Lines International Association reported that the industry contributed $75bn to the global economy in 2021.
The Icon of the Seas, costing $2bn to build, has set sail on a seven-day voyage in the Caribbean, with a stop in Saint Kitts and Nevis and Charlotte Amalie in the US Virgin Islands. During its naming ceremony, Argentine football star Lionel Messi participated in the traditional “good luck” breaking of a champagne bottle against the ship’s bow.
As the cruise ship industry continues to expand, the environmental impact of these massive vessels is a topic of ongoing concern and debate. The Icon of the Seas, while a remarkable feat of engineering and luxury, also raises important questions about the environmental responsibility of the cruise industry.