World’s Largest Cruise Ship Sets Sail from Miami

News Desk
Islamabad: The world’s largest cruise ship has embarked on its maiden voyage from Miami, Florida, raising concerns about potential methane emissions.
The Icon of the Seas, measuring 365m (1,197 ft) in length with 20 decks, is capable of accommodating a maximum of 7,600 passengers and is owned by the Royal Caribbean Group. Currently undertaking a seven-day island-hopping journey in the Caribbean, the LNG-powered ship has garnered attention from environmentalists who caution against the risk of harmful methane leakage into the air.Constructed at a shipyard in Turku, Finland, the Bahamas-registered vessel features seven swimming pools and six water slides, with a construction cost of $2bn (£1.6bn) and over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges.
Despite LNG being a cleaner alternative to traditional marine fuels like fuel oil, concerns persist regarding the potential escape of gas and subsequent methane emissions, a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide.
Bryan Comer, the director of the Marine Programme at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), expressed his concern, stating to Reuters news agency, “It’s a step in the wrong direction.”Comer highlighted, “We would estimate that using LNG as a marine fuel emits over 120% more life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than marine gas oil.”
In a recent report, the ICCT argued that methane emissions from LNG-fueled ships surpass current regulatory assumptions. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, traps 80 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, emphasizing the significance of reducing such emissions to combat global warming.Royal Caribbean contends that the Icon of the Seas is 24 percent more energy-efficient than the International Maritime Organization’s requirements for modern ships. The company has set a goal to introduce a net-zero ship by 2035.
The cruise industry, identified by the trade body Cruise Lines International Association as one of the rapidly expanding segments of tourism, holds a particular allure for young individuals seeking cruise holidays. In 2021, the industry made a significant economic contribution, totaling $75 billion (£59 billion) to the global economy.