Fred Olsen hosts Clia and UK government officials for net zero roundtable

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has hosted a roundtable discussion on net zero with officials from the UK government, Clia, and the energy and transport sectors.

The event took place while Borealis was in port in Portsmouth on November 12, and brought together representatives from the Energy Networks Association, Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator, the Department for Transport and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

The discussion was chaired by Clia and aimed to explore methods through which the cruise industry can achieve net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the International Maritime Organisation’s 2023 strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

One topic of discussion was the role of onshore power supply and the evolving energy landscape.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines chief executive Samantha Stimpson said: “We are proud to have hosted this important discussion aboard Borealis and help shape the cruise industry’s path toward net zero emissions.

“Achieving net zero by 2050 is ambitious, which makes events like this vital for identifying practical strategies and collaborative solutions.

“For us, sustainability is more than a goal – it’s a responsibility. By adopting solutions such as shore power and working hand in hand with government and industry partners, we can make meaningful progress in reducing our impact and protecting the oceans we sail and the destinations we’re privileged to visit.”

Clia UK and Ireland managing director Andy Harmer added: “The roundtable hosted on board Borealis was a great opportunity to discuss the importance of onshore power supply which is a crucial component of our industry’s decarbonisation journey.

“Over 50% of the global cruise fleet is already able to plug in, allowing ships to turn off their engines for emissions reductions of up to 98%.

“Clia has a vital role in bringing industry together with governments, raising the importance of environmental technologies and practices so that we can work together in our pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050.”

Portsmouth International Port director Mike Sellers said: “It’s evident there is a real appetite for sustainable fuel technology.

“While delivering this innovative system is not without its challenges, it was great to know that there’s a support and willingness for this to be a success.”