The Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) has released its annual Environmental Technologies and Practices (ETP) report, indicating a notable increase in the adoption of multi-fuel engine technology across its member fleet. The number of CLIA-member ships capable of operating on multiple fuel types, including zero- and near-zero emission alternatives, has grown from 19 vessels in 2025 to 30 ships currently. This technology enables vessels to switch fuels while at sea and when docked in port, contributing to reduced emissions.
This annual report, published since 2018, tracks environmental technology implementation and practices across over 90% of the global ocean-going cruise capacity. The data for the latest report was compiled based on information available in August.
For freight forwarders and logistics professionals, while this news directly impacts the cruise sector, it signals a broader trend in the maritime industry towards decarbonization and the adoption of alternative fuels. Increased demand for these technologies and fuels in the passenger sector could influence pricing and availability for cargo vessels in the long term. It also highlights the growing regulatory and public pressure on all shipping segments to reduce their environmental footprint, potentially leading to more stringent emissions standards that could affect vessel routing and operational costs for cargo carriers.
