Cruise Lines International Association has announced a global cruise industry commitment to reduce the rate of carbon emissions across the industry fleet 40 per cent by 2030.

“Today’s announcement is a tribute to cross-industry collaboration and a shared commitment to environmental sustainability,” said Arnold Donald, Global CLIA chairman and president of Carnival Corporation.

“We aspire to the International Maritime Organisation’s vision of a carbon-free shipping industry by the end of the century.

“Our 40 per cent commitment is a strong first step toward realising that vision.”

The commitment to reduce the rate of global fleet emissions by 40 per cent is the outcome of a collaborative process designed to build consensus among cruise line leadership.

Progress toward the 40 per cent target will be measured against a 2008 fleet baseline, and emissions rates will be calculated based on the industry fleet’s total carbon emissions, total ship berths and total distance travelled.

CLIA plans to report annually on the industry’s progress toward the commitment.

While CLIA cruise lines each have responsible and sustainable programmes to reduce waste and preserve and protect the oceans, the commitment to reduce the rate of carbon emissions is the first initiative they have taken together.

The reduction will be fuelled by innovative technologies in ship design and propulsion.

The industry’s first liquid natural gas-powered ship launched just last week, and some 25 such ships could be operating by 2025.

LNG generates significantly fewer emissions than conventional marine fuels.

CLIA cruise lines are also deploying advanced air quality systems that reduce ship exhaust by up to 98 per cent.

Cruise is the first maritime-related industry to make a joint carbon emissions commitment to sustainability on the seas.