Environmental groups have expressed concern that ships powered by liquefied natural gas will increase harmful methane emissions.
Saturday 27 January 2024 21:44, UK
The world's largest cruise ship is scheduled to begin its maiden voyage on Saturday.
Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas miami Located in Florida, it can accommodate up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.
The ship travels approximately 1,200 feet (365 m) from bow to stern and is divided into eight quarters across 20 decks.
The ship features six waterslides, seven pools, an ice skating rink, a theater, and more than 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges.
The ship will set sail from southern Florida on its first seven-day voyage to tropical islands.
Icon of the Seas was officially named on Tuesday with help from a soccer legend lionel messi And my Inter Miami teammates.
The ship is equipped with six dual-fuel engines and can be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). LNG is an alternative fuel that reduces sulfur and greenhouse gas emissions, claims the Cruise Lines International Association.
However, environmental groups have raised concerns that LNG-fueled ships will increase harmful methane emissions.
“This is a step in the wrong direction,” Brian Comer, head of oceans programs at the International Council on Clean Transport (ICCT), told Reuters.
“Using LNG as a marine fuel is estimated to increase lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by over 120% compared to marine diesel oil.”
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In terms of global warming impact, methane is 80 times more harmful than carbon dioxide over 20 years. Reducing emissions is considered the key to limiting global temperature rise.
Royal Caribbean says every kilowatt used on Icon of the Seas is “scrutinized for energy efficiency and emissions reduction.”
