What is LNG Power?

The newest trend in the race to greener propulsion, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is the cleanest burning non-electric marine fuel.

One of the newest trends in the race to reduce the environmental footprint of the cruise industry, is the use of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

This is in line with the cruise line industry's commitment to go greener - reducing or eliminating single use plastics (before pandemic times), ramping up efforts with onboard composting and recycling, as well as retrofitting cruise ships with the latest technology to reduce emissions.

But what is LNG power?

According to Shell: “LNG is a clear, colourless and non-toxic liquid which forms when natural gas is cooled to -162ºC (-260ºF). The cooling process shrinks the volume of the gas 600 times, making it easier and safer to store and ship. In its liquid state, LNG will not ignite.”

Liquefied Natural Gas is the cleanest non-electric burning marine fuel. It reportedly reduces sulphur emissions by 99% and nitrogen oxide emission by 85%; this according to a 2028 paper from University of Texas.

It is said to reduce greenhouse emissions by an additional 30% and eliminates the majority of the matter expelled through the ship's exhaust.

LNG powered ships are part of the next generation of greener energy to propel cruise ships and reduce the impact of the cruise industry on the environment.

AIDAnova was the first cruise ship to announce the use of LNG in 2018. Since then, about 20 additional LNG ships have been announced.

It is, however, now time for the ports to get with the program, and update their infrastructure to accommodate the LNG ships.

A list of cruise ships that are LNG powered.