Cruises: Back in Demand Post-Pandemic
After a significant drop during the COVID-19 pandemic, cruises have made a strong comeback. Last year, Denmark saw a record number of cruise passengers. However, new research highlights a major concern: cruises are among the most polluting travel options for the climate, even surpassing air travel in carbon emissions.
Cruises Emit Double the CO2 of Air Travel
Calculations from a Danish broadcaster’s expert show that an average cruise ship emits about double the CO2 per passenger compared to an airplane over the same distance, and four times more than a gasoline car. Niels Buus Kristensen, a researcher at the Institute of Transport Economics in Oslo, noted, “Cruise ship traffic has a significantly higher CO2 emission per passenger than cars or planes.”
Many cruise passengers arriving in Copenhagen were unaware of this. Hetty Doyle, an Australian cruise guest, expressed her surprise, saying, “I thought I chose a more eco-friendly ship.” Similarly, American passenger Robert Iommazzo admitted, “Honestly, I hadn’t thought about it.”
The High Carbon Footprint of Luxury Services
Cruise ships’ high carbon footprint stems largely from their onboard amenities, which include shops, restaurants, and hotels. Kristensen explained, “When you travel with stores, restaurants, and hotels onboard, it makes the journey very different from those by car or plane.”
Most cruise ships use heavy fuel oil, contaminated with chemicals like sulfur and nitrogen, contributing to their dense and hazardous emissions. Hans Otto Kristensen, a naval engineer, emphasized, “You’re releasing CO2 into the air, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.”
The Need for Eco-Friendly Fuel Transition
To mitigate this issue, Kristensen advocates for a transition to eco-friendly fuels across the transportation sector, including cruise ships. Klaus Bondam, head of Cruise Denmark, acknowledged the carbon footprint of tourism, stating, “Almost all its forms leave a carbon footprint. Cruise ships are no exception.”
Significant efforts to reduce coastal traffic emissions rely on shipbuilders and operators, with political initiatives playing a crucial role in encouraging companies to adopt greener practices.
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