Carnival Corp sets new emissions cut target after hitting 2030 goal five years early

Carnival Corporation has set a new sustainability target to achieve a 25% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 2029.

 

The move came as the world’s largest cruise company declared successfully reaching its 2030 goal five years ahead of schedule – cutting GHG emissions intensity by 20% in 2025.

 

The company, parent of brands including P&O Cruises and Cunard, raised its original target an “ambitious” five percentage points and accelerated its timeline to achieve the goal a year early in 2029. 

 

Fuel-efficiency gains are on track to save the company roughly $650 million this year against 2019 levels.

 

A statement said: “To achieve its 2029 target, Carnival Corporation’s decarbonisation strategy prioritises lowering energy use today while developing the flexibility to pursue multiple fuel pathways in the future.”

 

Measures include the use of smart itinerary planning and voyage optimisation tools, helping identify the most fuel-efficient routes and sailing patterns.

 

Seven new ships scheduled to join the fleet by 2033 are expected to deliver more than 20% greater efficiency per passenger than current vessels.

 

The group is investing in a range of low-GHG technologies and solutions, “recognising that no single approach alone will deliver net-zero ship operations”. 

 

This includes a growing number of ships powered by liquified natural gas (LNG), expanded shore power capabilities that allow ships to connect to local electrical grids while in port, increased biofuel use as more supply comes online and cutting peak energy use with battery storage systems. 

 

“Together, these investments are advancing lower-emission operations today while building flexibility to adopt future energy solutions as they mature,” the company added.

 

“A significant contributor has been the company’s strategic fleet restructuring, which introduced a new generation of more energy-efficient ships, pioneered 11 LNG-powered cruise vessels, and retired 27 older, less efficient ships since 2019.”

 

Chief executive Josh Weinstein said: "Achieving our 2030 GHG reduction goal five years early is a significant milestone that reflects years of disciplined investment, innovation and operational focus across our global fleet. 

 

"But we’re not treating it as a finish line. Our new 2029 target ensures we’re continuing to improve every part of the equation, from using less fuel to advancing the tools, technologies and infrastructure that will help us lower emissions even further over time. That’s good for the planet, good for our business and gives us real confidence in the road ahead."