Apr 22, 2022 · News

Innovation and Technology: Anchoring our Sustainability Journey

Every day our company honors the planet and all it has to offer. Earth Day has been celebrated worldwide since 1970, and we want to use the significance of this day to reflect on our conservation efforts that protect biodiversity; as well as the ocean and coastal communities that make our cruise vacations possible. We at Royal Caribbean Group are committed to continually improve, with innovation and technology playing a key role in helping us achieve our goals and advance our sustainability journey.

Energy Management Systems

Royal Caribbean Group takes a holistic approach to reduce our environmental impact with several energy-reducing initiatives. The company uses artificial intelligence to optimize our voyage planning; reduce our ships’ fuel consumption and emissions; and track weather that may impact routing, speed and distance traveled. Our ships are equipped with air lubrication systems that produce microscopic bubbles to create a layer along the ship’s hull, which reduces drag and increases fuel efficiency.

We replaced our AC chillers with more efficient, multi-modular systems to cut our energy consumption by 40%, and capture engine heat to heat shower and galley water. Royal Caribbean Group has introduced variable frequency devices to reduce the energy consumed by air conditioning units, which use sensors to match the operation of pumps, fans and motors as needed.

Fuel Cells

Silversea Cruises is making strides in the industry by introducing a new hybrid cruise ship, Silver Nova, set to debut in summer 2023. Silver Nova will use a combination of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as its main propulsion, along with fuel cells, and battery power. These new features will help maximize efficiency and enable Silver Nova to be the first cruise ship to remove local emissions while at port.

Hydro Oxidation Prototype

Innovation drives our evolution as a company, and we’re constantly piloting and testing new technologies to improve our business, including minimizing waste. A hydrothermal oxidation technology prototype for waste treatment has been installed on Celebrity Apex. This cutting-edge treatment method allows for food waste to be treated without being discharged at sea. Additionally, we have advanced wastewater treatment systems on our ships, which treat the water used on board.

Ocean Conservation

Royal Caribbean Group has partnered with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries’ Southwest Fisheries Science Center in California to help protect Hawksbill sea turtles. With our support, the center offers DNA extraction tests to scientists and conservationists to help end the illegal trade of Hawksbill sea turtle products in the South Pacific.

At Royal Caribbean Group, respect for the oceans and the environment is not a choice; it’s a way of life. Oceans make up 71% of the planet and are 100% critical to our business and our right to operate. That’s why we are intensely focused on using the best technology to advance our efforts to ensure a sustainable future for all of us.

To learn more about our sustainability progress, please visit www.royalcaribbeangroup.com.