Royal Caribbean Group has unveiled a decarbonization strategy to establish science-based targets and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The cruise line’s Destination Net Zero aims to embed sustainability throughout the organisation, by developing goals over the next 18 to 24 months to be validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) following the publication of its marine transport methodology.

One of the most ambitious goals includes the delivery of a net-zero cruise ship by 2035. To achieve this, Royal Caribbean will rely on strong partnerships with two governments, suppliers and shipyards to develop alternative and accessible fuels and technology.

“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,” said Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group.

“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.”

Destination Net Zero’s four-pronged approach includes:

1. Modernisation of RCL’s brands fleet through the introduction of 13 new energy-efficient and alternatively fueled vessels, including its recently announced ‘Project Evolution’ — the industry’s first ship to remove all local emissions while at port.
2. Investment in energy efficiency programs for its fleet, including energy-saving technologies, enhanced data systems and digitalisation.
3. Development of alternative fuel and alternative power solutions.
4. Optimised deployment and integration of strategic shore-based supply chains.

Royal Caribbean Group’s journey to reducing its environmental footprint began nearly 30 years ago with Save the Waves, an effort that grew from a recycling program into a company-wide approach to embedding achievable, measurable sustainability targets into the bedrock of the company’s culture.

In 2016, the Group built on this legacy of progress and commitment by embarking on a partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

Earlier this year, it announced it had met or exceeded its 2020 goals, with the exception of a sustainable seafood sourcing target (now expected to be met by 2022) that was impacted by the travel suspension from the pandemic.

Image: iStock/Sergii Kateryniuk