By
Alex Smith |
Carnival Corporation has introduced LNG bunkering for a cruise vessel to Latin America and the Western Caribbean for the first time, using a mobile fuelling solution to refuel Carnival Cruise Line's Carnival Jubilee at Isla Tropicale in Roatán, Honduras.
The milestone advances Carnival Corporation's broader decarbonisation strategy, which aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions from ship operations by 2050. LNG can reduce direct carbon emissions by up to 20 per cent compared with conventional marine fuels and almost fully eliminates emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter. The company became the first in the cruise industry to use LNG in 2018 and now operates 11 LNG-capable ships, with seven more expected to join the fleet by 2033.
“This milestone reflects the collaboration and operational planning taking place worldwide within our organisation to expand LNG bunkering across our global fleet,” said Michael McNamara, vice president of strategic fuel sourcing at Carnival Corporation. “Bringing this capability to Latin America and the Western Caribbean supports key itineraries in the region while advancing our broader strategy to reduce emissions. We are grateful to President Asfura, government leaders and local partners for helping make this milestone possible.”
“LNG bunkering in Roatán reflects the important role Honduras can play in the future of maritime energy in the Western Caribbean,” said Miguel Ángel Gámez, director general of hydrocarbons and biofuels at Honduras’ Secretariat of Energy. “It is also an important step forward toward a cleaner, more affordable and more resilient national energy matrix.”
The development comes alongside Carnival Corporation's wider investment in Roatán. Since the destination opened in 2009, Carnival Corporation has invested $93 million in Isla Tropicale, which has welcomed close to nine million visitors and generated approximately $750 million in economic impact for Roatán, supporting more than 1,300 local jobs.