LR: Governments need to invest in bunkering infrastructure necessary for new marine fuels

Michele Landro, Lloyd’s Register (LR) Vice President, Head of Passenger Ships Segment on Monday (8 January) said he was optimistic about the energy transition pathways open to the cruise sector but noted the governments’ role in stepping to increase bunkering infrastructure for new marine fuels worldwide.

“As cruise lines identify future fuel pathways to move away from fossil fuels, the availability of these alternative fuels will impact how quickly the industry can progress towards a more sustainable future. There is a critical need for governments to invest in the infrastructure necessary to increase availability of bunkering for new fuels at ports around the world and LR is committed to providing support for a regulatory environment that supports the production, distribution, and use of renewable fuels,” he said in his remarks ahead of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Cruise Week – Europe 2024 in March.

“CLIA Cruise Week provides the perfect platform for the cruise industry to come together with policy makers, innovators and suppliers. At the LR Cruise Forum during CLIA Cruise Week, we will be engaging with key stakeholders from the sector, focussing on the global energy transition, sustainability and other key issues the cruise sector faces in the coming years.” Landro added.

Lloyds Register is one of the premier sponsors at CLIA Cruise Week – Europe 2024 which will take place between 11-14 March 2024 at the Jean Nouvel Pavilion In Genoa, Italy with the Lloyd’s Register Cruise Forum taking place on 12 March. 

According to the CLIA, accessibility of funding for sustainable shipbuilding will be key to the sectors’ energy transition ambitions, along with port and shoreside infrastructure to keep the transition a fair and equitable one. 

“Recognising the importance of the cruise value chain for the European maritime industry, it is vital to enable faster access to funding for sustainable shipbuilding and maritime equipment manufacturing to support Europe’s world-leading position.  This will require deployment of sustainable maritime fuels and new technologies to help the sector decarbonise,” says  Marie-Caroline Laurent, Director General, Europe, CLIA. 

“Implementation of the EU Green Deal to support decarbonisation of cruise will need to ensure adequate port infrastructures are in place. Investment in shoreside electricity must be made available and the development, scale-up and availability of sustainable maritime fuels and related infrastructure must be promoted.” she added. 

Photo credit: Lloyd’s Register
Published: 9 January, 2024