The next class of Royal Caribbean cruise ship will be powered by LNG (liquefied natural gas) and introduce the use of fuel cell technology to considerably reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to the company, the move marks a new era in shipbuilding.
A memorandum of understanding was signed with shipbuilder Meyer Turku for the new class of ship under the project name "Icon”, with two ships expected to be delivered to the fleet in 2022 and 2024.
Before the new ships debut, testing of fuel cell technology will begin next year on an existing Oasis-class ship, while larger fuel cell projects will also be run on new Quantum class vessels under construction in the next few years.
Use of the new technologies will result in much cleaner emissions, the company said, as they produce no sulfur and significantly reduce the production of nitrogen oxides and particulates.
The switch to LNG provides further momentum for the technology, which has begun making significant inroads in the maritime industry.
The new ships are expected to run primarily on LNG but also on distillate fuel, in order to accommodate itineraries with ports without LNG infrastructure.
Icon of the Seas is the first new ship class announced by RCCL since Celebrity Cruises' new Edge class (debuts in 2018). The company is also expanding its fleet with new Oasis- and Quantum-class ships for RCI. This order is contingent upon the completion of contractual conditions, including documentation and financing. Final contracts are expected to be completed by the end of the year.