Carnival Corporation expands renewable energy efforts with new solar parks in Roatan and Cozumel

   March 20, 2025 ,   Cruise Industry

Carnival Corporation & plc has expanded its renewable energy initiatives with the launch of solar parks at Mahogany Bay Cruise Center in Roatan (Honduras) and Puerta Maya in Cozumel (Mexico). These developments align with the company's strategy to integrate sustainable energy solutions across its global port operations, reducing environmental impact while enhancing the long-term sustainability of its destinations.

At Mahogany Bay, a newly installed solar array consisting of 400+ high-efficiency panels is projected to supply 60-70% of the port’s total energy requirements. Meanwhile, Puerta Maya’s solar installation will provide renewable energy to terminal facilities, reducing dependence on traditional electricity sources and contributing to Cozumel’s sustainability initiatives.

These projects build upon previous solar installations introduced in 2023 at Amber Cove Cruise Center in the Dominican Republic and at Carnival’s Port of Barcelona terminals - Palacruceros (Terminal D) and Helix Cruise Center (Terminal E). The initiatives support the company’s broader efforts to lower greenhouse gas emissions across its operations.

Mahogany Bay Cruise Center, operational since 2009, serves as a key gateway to Roatan’s tourism sector, supporting local employment, business partnerships, and economic development. In March 2024, it received the Blue Flag 5-Star certification, making it the only beach in Honduras to earn this international environmental distinction.

Puerta Maya, established in 1997, remains a significant contributor to Cozumel’s tourism economy. The port, which features three berths, is expected to receive 1.8+ million guests in 2025 from Carnival Corporation cruise lines, accounting for ~43% of all cruise visitors to the island. It supports ~100 direct jobs and benefits an estimated 1,200 indirect jobs, including those in tour operations, retail, and transportation services.

Across its 8 key port destinations, Carnival Corporation continues to advance environmental stewardship through waste reduction programs, energy efficiency upgrades, and community-led conservation efforts. These initiatives include coastal cleanups, reforestation projects, and coral reef preservation programs aimed at maintaining the ecological integrity of the regions in which the company operates. Additional measures focus on minimizing waste through composting, recycling, and water conservation strategies.

By expanding its portfolio of renewable energy projects, Carnival Corporation reinforces its commitment to sustainable port management while contributing to the economic and environmental well-being of its destinations. Supporting data on greenhouse gas emissions reductions and related sustainability efforts is published annually in the company’s Sustainability Reports.