Cruise lines are using less heavy fuel oil while rapidly expanding shore-power capability, according to new fleetwide data released Wednesday by Cruise Lines International Association. CLIA says heavy fuel oil accounted for 60.6% of reported oceangoing cruise fuel use in 2024, down from 74.2% in 2019, while non-HFO fuels rose to 39.4%.
The trade group’s 2026 Environmental Technologies and Practices report also says 193 member cruise ships can now connect to onshore power, up from 55 in 2018. Another 47 ships are slated for retrofits, and 39 newbuilds are specified for the technology. But port infrastructure continues to lag: only about 40 cruise ports worldwide — fewer than 3% — currently have at least one cruise berth equipped with onshore power.
CLIA’s reporting covers more than 90% of global oceangoing cruise capacity.
SOURCE: Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)
