What Is LNG Gas, and What Are LNG-Powered Cruise Ships?

Table Of Content

• Crew Members
• Shore Power at the Port of Southampton: What are the lessons from the first year of operation?
• Efficient Hybrid Diesel-Electric Engines
• Which Cruise Ships Are Powered by LNG?
• Practical Sample Kits by Normec MTS Allow the Crew to Take Water Samples Themselves
• A Guide to Cruise Ship Power Systems
• Can I go shopping onboard?

More and more cruise ships are being built or retrofitted with shore power facilities so that they can largely switch off their own machinery in ports, eliminating local emissions from ships while they are in port. It also supports the overall cruise industry efforts to cut CO2 emissions, which can represent between 6% and 10% of the overall CO2 emissions of a cruise vessel. This is the timeline in which LNG-powered cruise ships were launched. AIDA was the first to incorporate this fuel for its passengers, with other cruise lines closely following its example. The cruise ship industry is continuously evolving, with new technological developments transforming engine technology.

Crew Members

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on improving the environmental performance of diesel engines used in cruise ships. This has led to the development of technologies like LNG (liquefied natural gas) fuelled engines and hybrid electric systems, which further enhance the efficiency and sustainability of these engines. In conclusion, the power sources, distribution systems, and power consumption management on cruise ships demonstrate the industry’s commitment to sustainability and minimizing its carbon footprint. To manage power consumption efficiently, cruise ships utilize advanced power management systems. These systems monitor and optimize energy usage across different systems, adjusting power allocation based on demand and operational requirements.

Shore Power at the Port of Southampton: What are the lessons from the first year of operation?

Although no ships run solely on these power types yet, they supplement fossil fuel systems. ABB supplied the vessel's power and electric propulsion systems, as well as the Octopus (smart energy management system). While mechanical propulsion is optimized for a single-speed, electric propulsion is based on rotating speed control resulting in energy efficiency at all speeds. ABB's propulsion also improves passenger comfort as the ship runs much more quietly and smoothly. ABB's Octopus marine technology allows real-time monitoring of the vessel's energy (and fuel) consumption. Based on the collected data, the software suggests optimal performance recommendations.

Is Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship Really Sustainable? - The New York Times

Is Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas Cruise Ship Really Sustainable?.

Posted: Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Efficient Hybrid Diesel-Electric Engines

Overall, diesel generators are the backbone of a cruise ship’s power system. They provide the reliable and high-power output needed to keep the ship running smoothly, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for passengers while minimizing the environmental impact. Have you ever wondered how gargantuan cruise ships move through the waters from one port to the next? With power sources quickly changing within the industry thanks to environmental demands, it's the type of fuel used to power cruise ships that clearly divides the old from the new. Those drawn to the high seas will find a range of options when it comes to how their cruise ship is powered.

They provide the necessary power for propulsion and onboard systems while ensuring fuel economy and compliance with environmental regulations. Gas turbine engines offer high power output and quick response, making them suitable for high-speed cruise ships. Combined Gas and Steam Turbine Engines (COGAS) provide efficient power generation and improved fuel economy by utilizing waste heat to produce steam. Hybrid electric systems are a cutting-edge technological development in cruise ship engines, combining traditional engines with electric propulsion to create a more efficient and environmentally friendly power solution.

This DC electricity is then converted into alternating current (AC) through an inverter, making it compatible with the ship’s electrical system. When passengers load off, then the cleaning crew comes to clean the rooms. While the ship is pampering, they complete paperwork from the first trip, fulfill any necessary maintenance, redecorate rooms, and start preparing and cooking food and lunch for the next set of passengers coming on board. A small boat, a “barge,” brings fuel to the 400 ports fueling for ships. During night-time, luggage and bags are ready ashore for passengers to check out.

A Guide to Cruise Ship Power Systems

Engines rely on fuel and ignition and can help generate electricity. Propulsion motors, therefore, take the electricity produced by the engines and use it to make the propellers turn. Yet widely publicized events like the Carnival Triumph engine room fire in 2013 have provoked both anxiety and curiosity about how these ships are powered.

While routes determine how much time is spent on land or at sea, every cruise company has a niche, though they often appeal to all as well. Families love Disney Cruises because the ships and entertainment are tailored to kids while providing parents with plenty of appealing activities too. Princess Cruises are known for the exceptional and wide range of dining options. Celebrity and Royal Caribbean cruises are best for young adults traveling in couples, groups or alone. For an experience away from the run-of-the-mill, Star Clippers and Intrepid Travel both offer sailing expeditions, the greenest option available.

Menzies noted that European cruisers and younger cruise passengers in particular are concerned about their carbon footprints when they travel. On some ships, you'll need coins; others will allow you to pay using your room keycard, which you'll use to pay for virtually everything you purchase onboard. Self-service laundry is complimentary on a handful of upscale lines, including Viking Ocean, Seabourn and Cunard.

Shipowners and ports face some expensive decisions, according to LR’s experts. Later in this article, the Port of Southampton in the UK reveals its learnings from the first year of operation of green onshore power to visiting cruise ships. The history of LNG-powered cruise ships began in 2015 when Carnival Corporation announced its ship, AIDAsol (AIDA Cruises) would be the first to utilize LNG fuel.

Though the fuel tech may seem somewhat far-fetched, it shouldn’t be discounted just yet, according to several industry leaders who spoke during a panel discussion at the Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami earlier this month. Many ships also allow you to exchange cash into foreign currencies onboard, through guest services; often, you can find places to exchange money near ports as well. If you're cruising the Caribbean, chances are you'll be able to spend your U.S. dollars in port.

Only a few ships use wind power, but it is a viable option for future ships. Wind power is the traditional method of sailing, and it makes sense to return to it in an effort to be more environmentally conscious. ABB also supplies the power generation, distribution systems, bow thrusters, and of course, the 2 x 20,500 kW propulsion Azipod XO units (at the photo at right), transformers and drives. The above photo shows Oasis-class ship propulsion Azipods (2 units) before being mounted onto the hull. Even the smallest ships usually have some kind of store where you can shop for ship/cruise line logo items as well as necessities like toothbrushes and sunscreen. But shopping is big business, and bigger ships will have multiple stores where you can purchase items such as clothing, jewelry, duty-free liquor and cigarettes, as well as high-end handbags, makeup and perfume.

The goal is to ensure that the engines can provide the necessary power for propulsion and onboard systems, while optimizing fuel efficiency and maintaining operational reliability. Overall, gas turbine engines provide an efficient and powerful option for cruise ships, particularly those focusing on high-speed travel. Their ability to quickly respond to power demands and lower emissions make them a valuable choice for enhancing the overall cruising experience. It’s important to note that gas turbines are typically used in conjunction with diesel generators.

The LNG is stored at temperatures -160 Celsius (-256 Fahrenheit) and under pressure 4-6 bars. When compared to traditional marine engines, in gas mode, the ship's engines produce 1/4 less COx, 2/3 less NOx, zero SOx and no soot particles. In comparison to pipeline gas, LNG is superior in quality - purer, with more methane and other energy content.