Toxic, filthy and cheap, the sludge-like substance known as heavy fuel oil has powered the shipping industry since the 1960s. In fact, this same substance is still used to power more than half of cruise ships today, rendering cruising one of the most environmentally damaging ways to travel. Critics say the cruising boom, with an increase from 21 ships in the 1970s to 515 today, dwarfs any decarbonisation efforts.
Despite recent advancements in technology and fuel alternatives, industry experts question whether these measures are enough to counter the huge growth in passenger numbers. A study revealed that a 2% annual improvement in carbon intensity from major cruise lines gets overshadowed by a 6-7% increase in passenger traffic. This imbalance raises doubts about the sustainability of the cruise industry's growth trajectory.
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