Carnival Corporation has carried out the cruise industry’s first LNG bunkering operation in Latin America and the Western Caribbean, refuelling Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Jubilee with a mobile LNG fueling solution at Isla Tropicale in Roatán, Honduras, according to Carnival Corporation.
The operation gives Roatán a new maritime fueling role on Western Caribbean itineraries and allows LNG-capable cruise ships to bunker with limited disruption to voyage schedules.
Carnival said the move supports its plan to reduce emissions from ship operations, with LNG among the fuels used in its strategy to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions from ship operations by 2050.
“This milestone reflects the collaboration and operational planning taking place worldwide within our organization to expand LNG bunkering across our global fleet,” said Michael McNamara, vice president, strategic sourcing – fuel, for Carnival Corporation.
“Bringing this capability to Latin America and the Western Caribbean supports key itineraries in the region while advancing our broader strategy to reduce emissions. We are grateful to President Asfura, government leaders and local partners for helping make this milestone possible.”
Carnival said LNG can cut direct carbon emissions by up to 20% and almost fully avoid emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particulate matter. The company said it began using LNG in the cruise sector in 2018 and now has 11 LNG-capable cruise ships in operation, with seven more due to join the fleet by the end of 2033.
Carnival has invested $93m in Isla Tropicale since the destination opened in 2009. The site has handled close to 9m visitors, generated about $750m in economic impact for Roatán and supports more than 1,300 local jobs.
Carnival Corporation & plc is a cruise group with brands including AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Holland America Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises and Seabourn. The group also operates destination and port-related assets linked to its cruise network.
Carnival Cruise Line is a Carnival Corporation & plc brand focused on large-ship leisure cruising, with itineraries across the Caribbean and other markets. Carnival Jubilee is one of the brand’s LNG-capable vessels.