The world's largest cruise ship is preparing to embark on her maiden voyage from PortMiami Florida USA, amid growing concerns regarding the vessel's methane emissions.
Measuring 365 meters in LOA length (1197 feet) and with 19 decks/floors, the Icon of the Seas (owned by RCG-Royal Caribbean Group) has max passenger capacity of 7600. The new vessel is scheduled for a 7-day island-hopping itinerary in the Caribbean.
However, environmentalists are raising alarms about the potential methane leakage from the liquefied natural gas /LNG-powered ship.
Bryan Comer (Marine Program'sDirector at ICCT/International Council on Clean Transportation) voiced concerns, stating, "It's a step in the wrong direction." He emphasized the environmental impact, noting that LNG usage as a marine fuel could result in over 120% more life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to marine gas oil.
The ICCT recently published a report asserting that methane emissions from LNG-fueled ships exceeded current regulatory assumptions.
While LNG combustion is cleaner than traditional marine fuels like fuel oil, the risk of methane leakage remains a concern. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, traps significantly more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. As such, reducing methane emissions is crucial for mitigating global warming.