Green Corridors and Methanol-Fueled Ships: Key Trends in Passenger Ship Technology for 2025
Key Ideas
- Green corridors for passenger ships are on the rise, with initiatives like DFDS green methanol-fueled ferries and the Baltic Sea's first green corridor.
- Methanol is gaining traction in cruise ships, with new orders like RCCL's Celebrity Xcel and NCL's Prima-plus class vessels opting for methanol.
- LNG remains a popular choice in the passenger ship sector, with new orders and advancements in reducing methane slip and boosting bioLNG usage.
- Hydrogen is gaining momentum in passenger ships, exemplified by the Sea Change hydrogen fuel-cell ferry and Norled's hybrid vessel using liquid hydrogen fuel cells.
In 2025, the passenger ship industry is witnessing significant trends towards sustainability and green energy sources. Green corridors are becoming increasingly prevalent, with initiatives like establishing corridors for DFDS green methanol-fueled ferries between the UK and Netherlands and northwest England and Ireland, as well as the first green corridor in the Baltic Sea focused on Viking Line. The Pacific Northwest to Alaska Green Corridor project aims to explore low and zero-greenhouse gas emissions cruising in the Alaska market.
The cruise sector is also embracing green technology, with a focus on methanol as a fuel source. Cruise ships like RCCL's Celebrity Xcel and Disney's Adventure are set to use methanol upon delivery in 2025, and NCL's future vessels will have methanol capabilities. Additionally, SunStone Ships' new Boundless-class ships are being designed for green methanol use.
While LNG remains a popular choice for fuel, hydrogen is gaining momentum in the passenger ship industry. Noteworthy projects include the first commercial hydrogen fuel-cell passenger ferry, Sea Change, and Norled's hybrid vessel using batteries and liquid hydrogen fuel cells. The cruise sector is also adopting hydrogen, with installations in vessels like Royal Caribbean International's Icon of the Seas.
Overall, these developments reflect a positive shift towards sustainable energy sources in the passenger ship sector, with a focus on reducing emissions and transitioning towards greener alternatives.
Topics
Projects
Sustainability
Energy Transition
LNG
Shipbuilding
Methanol Fuel
Green Corridors
Passenger Ships
Cruise Sector
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