NCLH-Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (currently the world's 3rd-largest cruise shipowner, which owns the subsidiaries NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania and RSSC-Regent Seven Seas) announced the creation of a "long-term climate action strategy and goal to reach carbon neutrality" via reducing carbon intensity, investing in technology such as exploring alternative fuels and implementing a carbon offset program.
In addition to the initiatives to reduce its emissions rate, the corporation has committed to offsetting 3 million MTCO2e (metric tons of CO2 equivalent) over a 3-year period beginning this current year to help bridge the gap in decarbonization efforts until new technology is available.
As part of the Sail & Sustain (NCLH's sustainability program) combating climate change is a material focus, and Norwegian previously signed the CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) historic commitment to reducing the carbon emissions rate industry-wide by 40% by 2030 from 2008 baseline.
Frank Del Rio, NCLH's President and CEO, said:
“We take climate change very seriously and have proactively developed a long-term strategy with an ambitious goal of reaching carbon neutrality through three action areas including reducing carbon intensity, identifying and investing in technology and implementing a carbon offset program. Our commitment to purchase three million metric tons of carbon credits is a measurable step in near-term emissions reductions which allows us to take action today and helps bridge the gap in our decarbonization efforts as we prepare for a lower-carbon future.
“Our global sustainability program, Sail & Sustain, is centered around our commitment to drive a positive impact on society and the environment and our long-term climate action strategy reinforces this commitment and aligns with the vision of the Paris Agreement to achieve a climate neutral world.”