Cruising Greener?

July 24, 2008

I have finally found something that may be the start of a viable greening process for the cruising industry.

The world’s largest cruise group, Carnival Corporation, have identified 140 different ways of saving fuel. While not focusing on actually being green, a side-effect may be fewer emissions at least.

The company is looking at such things as cutting the speed of cruise ships to using special paint to help vessels travel through the water more efficiently.

Meanwhile Holland America Line has presented a number of possible energy-saving options while showcasing new ship Eurodam to the UK trade in Southampton. These include harnessing waste heat, developing new software to automatically adjust the trim of ships to ensure they operate most effectively, reducing speed through better itinerary planning to improve fuel consumption and even turning off lights.

Turning off lights! What a novel idea. Perhaps they should speak to the greener hotels around the world who are already doing such things and may be able to give a few more ideas?

Come on cruiseliners, Green Is In!