Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced the launch of a long-term climate action strategy to reach carbon neutrality by reducing carbon intensity, investing in new technologies and searching for alternative fuels, and implementing a voluntary carbon offset program. On top of ongoing initiatives to reduce its emissions rate, NCL has recently announced its commitment to offset 3 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent over the next three years to help bridge the gap in the company’s decarbonization efforts until new technologies become available. Combating climate change is part of the company’s global sustainability program, Sail & Sustain. The company has also signed the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) historic commitment to a 40% reduction in overall carbon emissions by 2030.
According to Frank Del Rio, president, and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., “We take climate change very seriously and have proactively developed a long-term strategy with an ambitious goal of reaching carbon neutrality through three action areas including reducing carbon intensity, identifying and investing in technology and implementing a carbon offset program. Our commitment to purchase three million metric tons of carbon credits is a measurable step in near-term emissions reductions. This allows us to take action today and helps bridge the gap in our decarbonization efforts as we prepare for a lower-carbon future.
“Our global sustainability program, Sail & Sustain, is centered around our commitment to drive a positive impact on society and the environment, and our long-term climate action strategy reinforces this commitment and aligns with the vision of the Paris Agreement to achieve a climate-neutral world.”
As part of the company’s climate action strategy, NCL has launched a voluntary carbon offset program in collaboration with the sustainability division of World Fuel Services. The cruise line is committed to voluntarily offset at least 3 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions through 2023. Just so we can all wrap our heads around this figure, let’s say it is the equivalent of 7,539,593,613 miles driven by an average passenger car. NCL plans to gradually increase voluntary offset purchases in future years to reach its goal of carbon neutrality.
“Each organization has a unique journey to sustainability, but it starts with vision combined with action. We applaud Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ thoughtful approach and leadership,” said Michael Kasbar, Chairman and CEO, World Fuel Services. “Our experts at World Kinect developed a tailored carbon offset solution that enables Norwegian to make immediate progress towards their long-term sustainability goals.”
