Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise operator, has announced a significant addition to its fleet with an order for three new liquefied natural gas (LNG)- powered ships for its Carnival Cruise Line brand. This landmark deal, signed with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, will see these delivered in the summers of 2029, 2031, and 2033. Each ship will have a gross registered weight of approximately 230,000 tons.
These LNG-powered ships will increase the company’s fleet of such vessels to 16 by 2033, including eight under the Carnival Cruise Line brand. This expansion represents nearly 30% of the company’s global fleet and underscores a major shift toward more sustainable cruising.
Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation & plc, highlighted the strategic importance of this initiative: “By investing in LNG-powered ships, we are reinforcing our dedication to reducing our environmental impact. These new vessels will significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional marine fuels and set a new standard for sustainability in the cruise industry.”
LNG offers substantial environmental benefits as a cleaner alternative to conventional marine fuels. It reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) by up to 85% and eliminates sulfur oxides (SOx) emissions, improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The three new ships will feature advanced LNG propulsion systems, enhancing energy efficiency and furthering Carnival Corporation’s goal of lowering its carbon footprint.
Christine Duffy, President of Carnival Cruise Line, expressed enthusiasm about the environmental advancements: “Our new LNG-powered ships will not only offer unparalleled guest experiences but also align with our commitment to environmental stewardship. We are excited to lead the industry in adopting cleaner technologies that benefit both our guests and the planet.”
The ships will also incorporate state-of-the-art waste management and emission reduction technologies, further minimizing their environmental impact. With a capacity to accommodate nearly 8,000 guests at full occupancy, these ships will be the largest in the Carnival Corporation fleet, setting new benchmarks in scale and sustainability.
Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri, emphasized the partnership’s significance: “We are honored to collaborate with Carnival Cruise Line on this groundbreaking project. These new LNG-powered ships represent the largest vessels ever constructed by Fincantieri and reflect our shared commitment to advancing environmental sustainability in the maritime industry.”
The order is contingent upon securing financing and is expected to be completed later this year.
