According to data detailed in the document, made available by the association itself, the industry has been progressively reducing its reliance on heavy fuel oil (HFO); consumption of HFO by passenger ships fell from 74.2% in 2019 to 60.6% in 2024, while the use of alternative, less polluting fuels rose to 39.4%, with CLIA’s fleet estimates projecting a 40.3% share by 2025.

This development also relies on increased engine flexibility and the technological capabilities of the vessels. Currently, 30 vessels operate with multi-fuel engines, up from just one in 2018, with projections indicating this figure will rise to 56 ships by 2030 and reach 69 by 2039.

Meanwhile, the number of ships able to connect to onshore power supply (OPS) grids has more than tripled since 2018, now covering 193 vessels (65% of the ships that reported data, representing 72.5% of fleet capacity).

However, the report warns of a shortfall in port infrastructure: although 279 ships are expected to be ready to use shore-based electricity by 2039, only 41 cruise ports worldwide, less than 3%, currently feature at least one berth equipped with OPS.

On resource management and effluent treatment, the sector has 293 vessels capable of producing potable water on board and 249 equipped with Advanced Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS), meeting or exceeding the requirements of Annex IV of the International Maritime Organisation’s MARPOL Convention.

Set The Portugal News as your preferred source for news on Google

GoogleAdd as a preferred source on Google