The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has released its new annual Environmental Technologies and Practices (ETP) report, confirming that the cruise industry is making steady strides towards a more sustainable operation. The study covers the period 2018–2024 and analyzes data from CLIA members, which represent over 90% of the global cruise market.
Fleet and new orders
As of August 2025, CLIA represents 45 companies with 310 ships and a total of 637,847 berths. 73% of ships are in the small and medium-sized category (under 3,000 berths), a proportion that is expected to remain stable until 2036. More than 80 new ships are already on order, incorporating the latest energy-saving innovations.
Alternative fuels and multi-purpose engines
The greatest progress is being made in the development of multi-fuel engines. From just one ship in 2018, 19 cruise ships now have such technology, while 23 are expected by the end of 2025, including ships with tri-fuel capability. By 2036, 32 dual-fuel ships are expected to be sailing, of which seven will be able to use methanol and 25 liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Cruise lines are also testing biofuels and increasing their purchases of alternative fuels. A ship delivered in 2024 will be ready to use methanol by 2026, while another methanol-based one is due to be delivered this year.
Connecting to shore power
The use of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) systems, which allow ships to turn off their engines when in port, has multiplied, from 55 ships in 2018 to 166 today (58% of the fleet). However, less than 3% of ports worldwide have OPS infrastructure. Europe is leading the way, with EU legislation (Fit for 55) making it mandatory to provide electricity in major ports by 2030.
Water and waste management
Advanced waste water treatment: 234 ships, or 82% of the fleet, are now equipped with advanced systems, with over a third meeting the strict Baltic standards.
Drinking water production: 279 ships (over 98%) meet their needs through steam distillation and reverse osmosis systems.
Innovative waste solutions: Microbial food waste digesters are already operating on 128 ships, while eight have waste-to-energy technology.
“Fleet of the Future”
“Cruise lines are leading the way in adopting marine technology, investing billions of dollars to build the fleet of the future,” said CLIA President and CEO Bud Darr.
The eighth annual ETP report demonstrates that cruising is moving from theory to practice, investing in cleaner, more efficient solutions and laying the foundation for a greener decade of leisure shipping.
