Commercial, GHG Emissions  -  November 1, 2021

Royal Caribbean Launches Destination Net Zero

Royal Caribbean Group announced Oct. 28 its Destination Net Zero campaign targeting net-zero emissions by 2050.

The cruise company plans to establish over the next two years targets to be validated by the SBTi following the organization’s marine transport methodology. As an interim target, Royal Caribbean is also aiming to deliver a net-zero cruise ship by 2035 and has already delivered a generation of ships 20-25% more efficient than their predecessors through design and systems upgrades.

Royal Caribbean’s first hybrid-powered ship is planned to launch in summer 2023. Additionally, the company has partnered with a wind farm in Kansas that will offset up to 12% of its direct operational emissions per year. These projects will all contribute to the company’s Destination Net Zero plan, which has four key focus areas: modernization of its fleet with 13 new energy-efficient and alternatively fueled vessels, investment in energy efficiency projects, development of alternative fuel sources and optimized deployment and integration of strategic shore-based supply chains.

“Decades ago, we set out on a course to advance sustainability; our vision now is to realize carbon-free cruising over the next two decades,” Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said in a statement. “Today we are announcing the most important destination of all in our company's history – Destination Net Zero – an ambitious strategy to cut emissions, protect our oceans, and ensure the viability of the hundreds of destinations that our guests and crew members care deeply about.”