The Invisible Climate Impact of a Cruise Ship
Cruise operators are switching to LNG-powered vessels they say are better for the climate. New evidence suggests their emissions impact is still being understood.
Invisible hydrocarbon gases that likely include methane spew from the MSC World Europa cruise ship in June.
Source: Transport & EnvironmentCruise operators are replacing oil-based fuel with liquefied natural gas to run their ships and pitching the shift as a greener way to travel. An investigation by environmental activists suggests the change could be worse for the climate in the short term.
Although ships burning LNG result in about 25% less carbon dioxide emissions than traditional marine fuels, the vessels often fail to combust all of the invisible gas. That means some of it leaks directly into the atmosphere where it can have a devastating impact on the climate. One of the most common engines used on LNG-powered ships leaks 3.1% of its fuel, according to the European Commission.