Alternative fuels and OPS outlined in keynote

In his keynote speech at Seatrade Europe, president and ceo Cruise Lines International Association, Bud Darr said that the industry's 2050 target for net-zero emissions stands irrespective of regulations. He talked about the emergence of alternative fuels, the delivery of the first tri-fuel ship this year and that "fossil LNG is a bridge not a destination, and that methanol is promising but is also fossil-based".

Green methanol, bio-LNG and synthetic methane are the most promising but, as yet, are in short supply. He added: "Hydrogen may be good for short durations and maybe for onshore power supply. Nuclear may be a good source of renewable power onshore. Ammonia, I don't see it."

He put some numbers on the number of ships being OPS-ready in 2018 at 55 (25 percent of the fleet) rising to 165 (58 percent) this year and 273 (85 percent) in 2036.

He also pointed out that the total European economic impact of the industry is €55 billion.