Royal Caribbean Group is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 63 ships traveling to more than 1,000 destinations around the world. In 2021, the cruise company unveiled a comprehensive decarbonization strategy titled Destination Net Zero, aimed at achieving zero carbon emission cruising by 2050. An ambitious approach that aligns with the overall strategy of the Center to decarbonize the maritime industry by 2050.

In welcoming Royal Caribbean Group to the Center, CEO Bo Cerup-Simonsen said:

“Royal Caribbean Group provides unparalleled capabilities and insights to the decarbonization agenda. The company has a long history of innovation with their partners and have enormous competence in relevant areas such as ship design, safety, emissions management, and energy efficiency in design and operation. We welcome them onboard and look very much forward to the collaboration,” said Bo Cerup-Simonsen.

In joining the Center, Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO, said:

“Collective action is imperative as we deploy our Destination Net Zero strategy to decarbonize our business and catalyze innovation for our industry," said Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO. “By joining the Center Royal Caribbean Group aligns itself with a network of like-minded companies with an unrelenting drive to find solutions for a sustainable future.”

Shipping’s roadmap to decarbonization

With 100.000 ships consuming around m300Tons fuel p.a. global shipping accounts for around 3% of global carbon emissions, a share that is likely to increase as other industries tackle climate emissions in the coming decades.

Achieving the long-term target of decarbonization requires new fuel types and a systemic change within the industry. Shipping is a globally regulated industry, which provides an opportunity to secure broad-based industry adoption of new technology and fuels.

To accelerate the development of viable technologies a coordinated effort within applied research is needed across the entire supply chain. Industry leaders play a critical role in ensuring that laboratory research is successfully matured to scalable solutions matching the needs of industry. At the same time, new legislation will be required to enable the transition towards decarbonization.