The world’s largest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas, has commenced its inaugural journey from Miami, Florida, raising worries about potential methane emissions from the colossal vessel.
Owned by the Royal Caribbean Group, this 365-meter-long (1,197 ft) ship, with 20 decks and a capacity for 7,600 passengers, is embarking on a seven-day tropical island-hopping expedition.
Despite the excitement surrounding the voyage, environmentalists express apprehension about the environmental impact of the ship, which operates on liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Concerns revolve around the potential leakage of harmful methane into the atmosphere. Bryan Comer, the director of the Marine Programme at the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT), remarked, “It’s a step in the wrong direction.”
A recent report from the ICCT argued that methane emissions from LNG-powered ships surpass current regulatory assumptions.
Although LNG burns cleaner than conventional marine fuels like fuel oil, the risk of leakage remains.
Methane is a potent greenhouse gas, trapping 80 times more heat than carbon dioxide over 20 years.
Addressing these emissions is vital for combatting global warming.
Responding to concerns, a spokesperson from Royal Caribbean highlighted that Icon of the Seas is 24% more energy-efficient than the International Maritime Organization’s modern ship requirements.
The company aims to introduce a net-zero ship by 2035 to further demonstrate its commitment to environmental sustainability.
During the ship’s naming ceremony, Lionel Messi, the renowned Argentine footballer currently playing for Inter Miami, participated in the tradition of placing a football on a stand to trigger the ceremonial breaking of a champagne bottle against the vessel’s bow.
The $2 billion (£1.6 billion) Icon of the Seas now features seven swimming pools, six waterslides, and an array of over 40 restaurants, bars, and lounges.
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