Advancing eco-friendly innovations in the cruise sector: a focus on sustainable maritime solutions

Cruise ships are criticised for air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In response to stricter rules and public pressure, operators are adopting new fuels and innovative propulsion systems to minimise their ecological footprint. The aim of this article is to identify and assess current trends and potential directions of development in the field of fuels and energy systems for cruise ships, based on the analysis of data on the technologies in use or planned for ocean vessels. By examining 304 vessels from the global fleet, the analysis links passenger capacity, build year as a proxy for design cohort, and the configuration of fuel and propulsion technologies. Statistical tests were applied to uncover patterns and relationships among these variables. The findings are intended for several key stakeholders: ship designers seeking to incorporate advanced propulsion technologies, policymakers, and cruise seaport authorities aiming to create incentive structures for sustainable development.