By
Alice Chambers |
Carnival Corporation is continuing to progress towards its goal of carbon neutral operations by 2050, according to its 13th annual sustainability report that was published on 12 April 2023.
The Sustainable from ship to shore report reveals that the firm is on track to achieve a 40 per cent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 in comparison to 2008 figures. It is also set to cut fuel consumption by 15 per cent in 2023 compared to 2019, according to available lower berth day figures. It will achieve this through its four-part decarbonisation strategy that focuses on fleet optimisation, energy efficiency, itinerary efficiency, and the use of new technologies and alternative fuels.
Carnival has invested in multiple energy-efficient solutions including service power packages, shore power and air lubrication systems, as well as alternative fuels such as LNG, biofuels, and battery and fuel cells.
“As the global leader in the cruise industry, we are setting the pace with the industry’s smartest solutions for sustainable cruising that will help deliver on our aggressive roadmap to reduce our carbon impact, maximise our use of resources and further enhance our operations to be even more efficient by 2030,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO and chief climate officer for Carnival Corporation. “Our future depends on us being good corporate citizens and stewards of the environment because without the incredible communities, healthy marine ecosystems, and scenic spaces we operate in, it would be impossible to deliver unforgettable happiness to our guests through extraordinary cruise vacations.”
Carnival has also completed its first inventory of Scope 3 ‘value-chain’ emissions, which it will use to monitor purchased goods and services, fuel and energy distribution and delivery, and waste management. Using its greenhouse gas protocol standard, Carnival will track its future emissions against a full-year 2019 operations baseline to monitor its sustainable progress.
“Our approach to sustainability is backed by science and driven by data, which allows us to take decisive actions that make a truly meaningful impact and inspire real change,” said Weinstein. “It is a monumental undertaking that requires collective focus and tireless dedication of our entire organisation. We are fortunate to have a global team of 160,000 talented people who are passionately committed to honouring the integrity of every ocean we sail, place we visit, and life we touch.”
The sustainability report also covers Carnivals’ commitment to operating with a circular economy model. In particular, it outlines how Carnival decreased food waste by more than 30 per cent per passenger in 2022 (compared to 2019) by installing biodigesters and dehydrators onboard its vessels. It has also minimised the number of single-use items onboard by more than 50 per cent, removing over 500 million single-use items since 2018 and replacing them with sustainable alternatives.
Furthermore, the organisation is making progress across its social impact and responsibility campaigns by continuing to promote talent development, gender equality and to employ a team of employees that reflects the diversity of the 700 ports and destinations its ships visit.
“We are incredibly proud of the considerable progress we have made so far and look forward to continuing our collective work together toward a sustainable future for cruising and tourism,” said Weinstein.