CCL-Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras, the first cruise ship in the Americas powered by LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), refueled for the first time at her homeport of Port Canaveral Florida which built the new Terminal 3 in order to accommodate the game-changing vessel.
Mardi Gras made her U.S. debut docking for the first time at Port Canaveral FL on Friday, June 4.
In its liquefied state, LNG is colorless, odorless, more environmentally friendly, as well as competitively priced compared to other fuels. One of the world's cleanest fuels, LNG significantly reduces emissions with cleaner exhaust and maintains its “liquefied” nature by being refrigerated at a very cold temperature – minus 259 degrees Fahrenheit.
The process took ~8 hours via a new fueling barge which delivered enough LNG to power Mardi Gras’ 4 engines for ~14 days.
LNG not only powers the propulsion systems of the ship utilizing Azipods but it’s also used for all shipboard systems, from elevators, lighting, computers, and galley equipment to BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.
LNG is part of the company’s overall sustainability and environmental efforts also including shore power connection capabilities, advanced wastewater treatment systems, air quality systems (“scrubbers”), comprehensive waste management, recycling, and energy conservation programs. These are in addition to the initiatives to reduce single-use plastics onboard.