Carnival Cruise Line’s new ship Mardi Gras made history when it sailed into Florida’s Port Canaveral in April as the first cruise ship in North America fueled by liquefied natural gas.
Carnival worked closely with Finland’s Meyer Turku, Shell and other partners on a host of new technologies and processes, including engine designs, fuel containment systems and new engine parts, Vance Gulliksen, Carnival Cruise Line’s spokesperson, told American Gas.
New terminal facilities to accommodate the LNG refueling process were built at Port Canaveral and are now under construction at PortMiami, where a second LNG fuel ship will dock next year, he said.
LNG is more environmentally friendly and competitively priced compared to other fuels, he said.
The Mardi Gras made its first port call in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, earlier this year, where the ship refueled its innovative LNG propulsion system for the first time after delivery. It is set to go into service later this year, pending the status of COVID-19.
“All of us know that cruising is anchored to the enjoyment of fresh air, clean pristine water and beautiful destinations,” Gulliksen said. “This is an important step in our commitment to clean technology and meeting our goals for emission reductions.” —Carolyn Kimmel
