It takes each of us to create a stronger, more cohesive culture... across all brands … across our fleet and shoreside.
The base of this culture is our Vision Statement which steers us as a unified organization to promote our top priorities and shared values.
At Carnival Corporation & plc, our highest responsibility and top priority is compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees. On this foundation, we aspire to deliver unmatched joyful vacations for our guests, always exceeding their expectations and in doing so driving outstanding shareholder value.
We are committed to a positive and just corporate culture, based on inclusion and the power of diversity. We operate with integrity, trust and respect for each other -- communicating, coordinating and collaborating while seeking candor, openness and transparency at all times. And we aspire to be an exemplary corporate citizen leaving the people and the places we touch even better.
“We believe a clear and strong ethics and compliance culture is imperative for the future success of any corporation”
(AAQS), generically known as exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) or scrubbers, on our ships. These systems remove sulfur compounds and particulate matter from our ships’ engine exhaust at any operating state of a ship – at sea, during maneuvering and in port. Due to the initial limited availability of ship-ready AAQS for marine applications, Carnival Corporation & plc led the way in developing the technology to successfully function in the restricted spaces available on cruise ships. Making the necessary investments – totaling approximately $500 million of installations to date – has led to a significant development in shipboard environmental technology.
For more information about our committment to AAQS please visit https://carnivalaaqs.com/
In March 2019, we released the Carnival/DNVGL 2018 Wash Water Assessment. The study demonstrated that the AAQS wash water samples were well below the limits set by several major national and international land-based water quality standards up to and including the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water.
281 water samples were collected from 53 Carnival ships.
Lab analyses were conducted on each sample for 54 different parameters including PAHs and metals.
Carnival partnered with DNVGL to evaluate and compare the results to major national and international water quality standards.
The study demonstrated that the AAQS wash water samples were well below the limits set by several major national and international land-based water quality standards up to and including the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water.
In fact, when measured against IMO standards, the average wash water test results in this study were more than 90 percent lower than maximum allowable levels. In many cases, the materials were completely undetectable in the laboratory testing process.
The results were also compared against other standards such as the German Waste Water Ordinance, which was a “point source discharge” standard was the most directly applicable, and also the EU Industrial Emissions Standards and the Surface Water Standards of the EU’s Water Framework Directive, both “water quality” standards. The AAQS test results compared favorably with all of these major benchmark standards, demonstrating that the composition of the water was not only consistently below, but in most cases, significantly below the most stringent limits. The full study briefing can be found here.
Click the video to learn more about Mardi Gras, the first LNG cruise ship in North America.
We support the adaptation of alternative fuels and are proud to be on the forefront of advancing LNG as an alternative fuel source for the cruise industry – an innovation that supports our sustainability goals and reduces our green house gas emissions. One of the keys to establishing LNG as a standard for powering cruise ships in building out an extensive, safe, and reliable infrastructure across the globe for this advanced fuel technology.
Expected to join the fleet through 2025, 6 of which are already in operations.
We began the implementation of our LNG vision by using LNG in port. In 2015, AIDA Cruises’ AIDAsol made history as the first cruise ship in the world to be supplied with power by an LNG hybrid barge while in port in Hamburg, Germany. In 2018, AIDAnova became the first 100% LNG-powered cruise ship.
In 2020, Mardi Gras became the first LNG-powered cruise ship in North America. The ship operates from Port Canaveral, Florida. New terminal facilities were built at Port Canaveral and are under construction at Port Miami.
is compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, the people in the communities we touch and serve, and our shipboard and shoreside employees. On this foundation, we aspire to deliver unmatched joyful vacations for our guests, always exceeding their expectations and in doing so driving outstanding shareholder value. We are committed to a positive and just corporate culture, based on inclusion and the power of diversity. We operate with integrity, trust and respect for each other -- communicating, coordinating and collaborating while seeking candor, openness and transparency at all times. And we aspire to be an exemplary corporate citizen leaving the people and the places we touch even better.
These six areas are where we are focusing our sustainability efforts in support of our 2030 goals and 2050 aspirations. In each Focus Area, we have identified goals, targets and aspirations that will guide our actions to further strengthen the sustainability performance of our organization. As time passes, we may elect to revise or augment our 2030 goals and 2050 aspirations by introducing additional ones. At Carnival Corporation & plc, we are always ready to expand our commitments as we continue to grow in our journey to be sustainable from ship to shore.
Carbon is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities and is the main contributor to climate change. We are committed to decarbonization and improving the quality of our air emissions.
We are working toward transitioning our energy needs to alternative fuels, investing in new low-carbon or zero-carbon emission technologies, developing and installing advanced air quality systems, and partnering with organizations and stakeholders to support and accelerate our decarbonization efforts.
Achieve 40% carbon1 intensity reduction relative to our 2008 baseline measured in both grams of CO2e per ALB-km and grams of CO2e per ALBD.
Having peaked our absolute carbon emissions in 2011, we will continue to reduce emissions over time, and identify a pathway to decarbonization.
Reduce absolute particulate matter air emissions by 50% relative to our 2015 baseline.
Increase fleet shore power connection capability to 60% of the fleet.
Expand liquefied natural gas (LNG) program.
Optimize the reach and performance of our Advanced Air Quality System program.
Expand battery, fuel cell, and biofuel capabilities.
Reduce scope 32 emissions associated with food procurement and waste management.
Identify carbon offset options only when energy efficiency options have been exhausted.
Aspire to achieve net carbon-neutral ship operations.
Aspire to achieve 100% fleet shore power connection capability.
1Direct emissions – scope 1 and indirect emissions – scope 2
2Supply chain emissions – scope 3
As the global population increases, more waste will be produced, and traditional management options will no longer support sustainable development needs.
As the world shifts towards a circular economy model where materials flow around a ‘closed loop’ system, we are shifting how we work with our supply chain partners to reduce waste.
Achieve 50% single use plastic item reduction by 2021.
Achieve 30% unit food waste reduction by 2022 and 50% unit food waste reduction by 2030.
Increase Advanced Waste Water Treatment System coverage to >75% of our fleet capacity.
Send a larger percentage of waste to waste-to-energy facilities where practical.
Partner with primary vendors to reduce upstream packaging volumes.
Aspire to build ships without the need to discharge to the ocean or air (zero emission ships).
Aspire to send 100% of waste to waste-to-energy facilities.
Aspire to partner with primary vendors to ensure near 100% reuse of packaging materials.
Providing a safe environment and working conditions for our employees, and all others working on our behalf is at the core of what we do every day.
Our employees are at the heart of our operation, and we are working on expanding our well-being programs to support their physical and mental health, encourage social connectivity with family and friends and promoting a balanced lifestyle.
Committed to continued job creation.
Establish measurable Company Culture metrics in 2021 and set annual improvement targets.
Implement global well-being standards by 2023.
Reduce the number of guest and crew work-related injuries.
Aspire to be a leader in employee well-being measures.
Continue to reduce the number of guest and crew work-related injuries.
As we travel the world, we have the privilege to explore many cultures and environments. It is our collective responsibility to respect and help them maintain their culture, history and natural resources.
Establish partnerships with destinations focused on sustainable economic development, preservation of local traditions and capacity management.
Continue to support disaster resilience, relief and recovery efforts.
Build stronger community relationships in our employment bases and destinations via employee volunteering programs.
Aspire to be recognized as a leader in global sustainable tourism.
Our efforts will focus on implementing best practices across our operations, investing in programs that support biodiversity and conservation, working with our supply chain and partnering with the communities we visit to help maintain and improve their ecosystems.
Support biodiversity and conservation initiatives through select NGO partnerships.
Conduct audits and monitor animal encounter excursions regularly.
Have deep NGO partnerships embedded in the business and supporting strategy execution.
Aspire to supply 100% of seafood needs through sustainable fishery programs.
Our success depends on the diversity, talent, and dedication of our global employee-base. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive work environment with equal opportunities for professional growth throughout their career path.
Ensure our overall shoreside employee base reflects the diversity of the world.
Expand shipboard and shoreside diversity, equity and inclusion across all ranks and departments.
Aspire to make diversity, equity and inclusion in management a “given,” not a measurement.
“In 2011, we reached absolute carbon emissions peak, and we will continue to reduce our emissions over time as we identify a pathway to decarbonization.”
Peaked GHG emissions (for Scope 1 & 2).
Surpassed our 2015 carbon rate reduction goal by delivering a 23.4% reduction.
Achieved 2020 carbon intensity goal ahead of schedule.
Reduce the intensity of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions from our operations by 40% relative to our 2008 baseline, measured in grams of CO2e per ALB-km and per ALBD.
Aspire to achieve net carbon-neutral ship operations exceeding IMO’s goal of 50% absolute emissions reduction.
We are reaffirming our commitment to decarbonization by supporting the transition to alternative fuels and technologies, such as biofuels, large scale batteries, and fuel cells. Our 2030 goal is aligned with the International Maritime Organization’s commitment to reduce carbon emission intensity 40% by 2030 and we aspire to achieve net carbon-neutral ship operations by 2050. We recognize that achieving our aspiration will require energy sources and technologies that do not yet exist for our industry. Regardless, our efforts to date have resulted in peaking our absolute carbon emissions a decade ago, and we are working hard to find ways to further reduce our absolute emissions.
Our entire management team, including our Board of Directors, is committed to this ongoing effort. We peaked our total greenhouse gas emissions (i.e., scope 1 & 2) in 2011. Our continued commitment to decarbonization involves multi-million dollar investments and a multi-faceted strategy. Key components of this strategy include:
Adopting international frameworks and working with industry regulatory bodies to address upcoming regulatory requirements and conditions.
Maximizing efficiencies across the existing fleet.
Retiring less efficient ships.
Using alternative low-carbon fuels such as LNG and Bio-LNG.
Investing in carbon-efficient technologies such as battery and fuel cell.
Supporting and accelerating industry-specific R&D projects.
Partnering with other companies, NGOs, and relevant stakeholders.
In the coming years, we are likely to see an array of emerging technological innovations that do not yet exist for our industry. As we navigate this journey, we are committed to evaluate options, work with various stakeholders, and adjust our path as needed.
2020 was an unprecedented year with significant impacts on our business from the effects of COVID-19. In response to the global pandemic, we paused our guest cruise operations in mid-March 2020. The company focus was directed to protect the health and safety of guests and shipboard team members, optimize the pause in guest operations.
By March 2021, we began to move our ships’ focus back towards guest operations and are working on a gradual return to service over time. Since the pause, we have accelerated the removal of ships in 2020 which were previously expected to be sold over the ensuing years. As a result of the pause in guest cruise operations the number of nautical miles traveled by our ships was significantly reduced. This also significantly reduced our total GHG emissions for 2020.
We recognize that this will require energy sources and technologies that do not yet exist for our industry.
We quantify, report, and verify our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including our direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions. Our direct GHG emissions represent 99.6 percent of our total emissions and the emissions generated from our ships’ fuel consumption represented the vast majority of our GHG footprint (97.3 percent). Our indirect GHG emissions represent only 0.4 percent of our total emissions, the majority of which are attributed to electricity purchased to power our shorebased buildings and ships while in port. Scope 3 emissions are derived from the energy used in other upstream and downstream indirect emissions like business travel, passenger transportation to and from our ships, fuel transport, waste disposal, and deliveries of supplies. We are in the process of determining how best to calculate these emissions for our operation.
We are expanding our investment in the use of low-carbon fuels, in particular.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) We pioneered the use of LNG within the cruise industry. We currently have the only four cruise ships in the world using LNG to generate 100% of their power. We also have seven more LNG ships on order. These innovative ships generate significantly less carbon emissions than traditionally powered ships, while almost eliminating sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM).
Bio-LNG or liquefied biomethane This biofuel is made by processing organic waste flows and is practically CO2 neutral and has all the advantages of LNG versus diesel, including reduced CO2 emissions, quieter engine sound, no SOx, much lower NOx, and significantly less PM emissions. We are working with Shell and other suppliers as they are making the necessary investment to scale the technology and build a reliable supply infrastructure.
Synthetic LNG or Liquefied Synthetic Methane (LSM) LSM uses hydrogen from renewable sources combined with carbon, either from direct air capture or from carbon capture, to make pure methane. Depending on the source, it can be considered a carbon-free or low-carbon alternative. While not yet commercially viable this is one of the pathways that we are exploring to ensure the long-term viability of our LNG vessels.
One of the keys to establishing LNG as a standard for powering cruise ships is building out an extensive, safe, and reliable supply chain infrastructure across the globe. As part of our strategy, we signed a framework agreement with Shell Western LNG B.V. (Shell) to be our supplier for the fuel to power our first LNG-powered cruise ships, and recently expanded our partnership to fuel North America’s first next-generation LNG-powered cruise ships. We are proud to be on the forefront of advancing LNG as a fuel source for the cruise industry.
Click to video below to learn more about the many environmental benefits of Liquefied Natural Gas.
AIDAsol
AIDAprima
AIDAperla
AIDAnova
1st cruise ship in the world powered with LNG.
Costa Smeralda
1st Costa ship with LNG.
IONA
1st P&O Cruises UK ship with LNG.
Mardi Gras
1st Carnival Cruise Line ship with LNG.
AIDAcosma
2nd AIDA ship with LNG.
Costa Toscana
2nd Costa ship with LNG.
Carnival Celebration
2nd Carnival Cruise Line ship with LNG.
P&O Cruises UK
2nd P&O Cruises UK ship with LNG.
AIDA
3rd AIDA ship with LNG.
Princess Cruises
1st Princess Cruises ship with LNG.
Princess Cruises
2nd Princess Cruises ship with LNG.
Cruise ships equipped with shore power capabilities can plug in to specific port connection facilities, allowing the ship to receive electricity from the electrical grid in the port instead of using the ship’s engines and fuel to generate power. Electricity generated by renewable sources such as hydro, solar, wind, and geothermal have a minimal climate change and air emission impact compared with non-renewable sources such as fossil fuels. Of the over 700 ports worldwide that we visit, there are approximately 21 ports that have the infrastructure capable to provide shore power connections to our fleet.
Based on our itineraries and capabilities of ships frequenting those ports, we connected in: Hamburg, Germany; Seattle, Washington; Vancouver, Halifax and Montreal, Canada; Juneau, Alaska; San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles, California; Brooklyn, New York; Kristiansand, Norway and Shanghai, China. Of these ports half of them have confirmed they are providing electricity from renewable sources such as hydro, wind, solar among others. 40% of the Carnival Corporation & plc fleet is equipped with the ability to utilize cold ironing/shore power technology, with another 20% planned to be fitted by 2030.
In 2019, we announced a joint project between Carnival Corporation & plc, the Meyer Werft shipyard, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies and other partners funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. The “Pa-X-ell2” project objective is to find practical solutions for climate-neutral mobility across all of shipping. The fuel cells will be powered by hydrogen derived from methanol.
In 2019, we signed an agreement with Corvus Energy, to begin production and installation of a firstof-its-kind lithium-ion battery storage system on board a cruise ship. The technology is currently set to become the world’s largest battery storage system ever installed on a passenger ship.
NAUTILUS short for Nautical Integrated Hybrid Energy System is a research project funded under the EU Horizon 2020 program. Though Carnival Corporation & plc’s AIDA Cruises is the only cruise company participating in this program.
As result of the COVID-19 impact, we have accelerated the removal of 19 ships which represent approximately 13% of pre-pause capacity and only 3% of operating income in 2019.
At the end of a ship’s life cycle is the dismantle and recycle process. This is a complex process involving many components for reuse, recycling, and disposal of waste materials. Carnival Corporation & plc selected Turkey-based EGE CELIK and SIMSEKLER to recycle three retired cruise ships based on their track records of compliance with key national and international environmental agreements and regulations. Both recycling companies are certified by the Hong Kong Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. They are also strictly required to adhere to a complex matrix of global standards set forth by the European Union (EU), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Basel Convention multilateral environmental agreement. In addition, we worked with the environmental nonprofit Bellona Foundation – a lead partner in the NGO Shipbreaking Platform – and the specialized ship recycling experts Sea2Cradle to formulate an approach to dismantling and recycling the ships. The organizations also helped identify best-in-class certified maritime vessel retirement solutions worldwide that are able to reuse, reclaim, and recycle retired ships in support of Carnival Corporation & plc’s commitment to a sustainable cruise industry.
Started focusing on energy efficiency programs throughout the fleet.
Announced our first carbon rate reduction goal of 20% by 2015.
Peaked emissions for scope 1 & 2.
Achieved our 2015 goal of reaching 20% carbon rate reduction ahead of time and announced our 2020 carbon reduction goal of 25%.
Surpassed our 2015 carbon rate reduction goal by delivering a 23.4% reduction.
AIDAprima launched with LNG capabilities while in port.
Achieved and surpassed our 2020 carbon rate reduction goal by delivering a 26.3% reduction.
Delivered a 27.6% reduction towards our 2020 carbon rate reduction goal. CLIA announced industry 2030 carbon rate reduction goal of 40%.
Committed to a new carbon rate reduction goal of 40% by 2030 & achieved a 24.8% reduction towards 2020 carbon rate reduction goal.
Due to the global pandemic, we paused guest operations in March.
CLIA and IMO commitment - reducing emissions by 40%.
Aspire to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, exceeding IMO's goal of 50% absolute emission reduction.
IMO’s ultimate goal is to achieve zero-emission shipping.
Shipboard fuel consumption contributes to more than 97% of our direct carbon emissions. Therefore, our efforts are focused on actions that can directly reduce and ultimately eliminate the emissions generated by our fuel consumption. We understand that carbon offsets may play a role in our decarbonization pathway if technological innovations are not sufficient to eliminate our emissions. To address those potential gaps in the future, we may want to invest in climate protection projects to offset or counterbalance the impact of any remaining emissions.
Throughout the years, we have invested in various systems to significantly increase our energy efficiency, which has resulted in fuel reduction as well as direct energy emission reduction. Below is a list of some of the initiatives we are currently working on:
In addition to disclosing our carbon performance within our sustainability reports, we also disclose our carbon performance through the CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) annual disclosure platform. We have been disclosing our carbon emissions in the CDP since 2007. As disclosure platforms emerge and evolve, we have also selected to disclose our carbon performance through the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). For additional details please refer to their specific sections within this report.
Carnival Corporation & plc’s environmental stewardship program is a call to action for all employees to protect our oceans, seas, and waterways from environmental harm – ensuring ecosystems, plant life, and aquatic animals thrive, both now and in the future.
We are strongly committed to significantly reducing non-essential single-use items, including plastics, on board our ships by 50% by the end of 2021. Despite the pandemic, and the need to continue to use some single-use items for health and sanitation reasons, we continue working towards our goal.
Food waste is a key global issue and everyone has a part to play in reducing food loss and waste. As part of our commitment to reduce food waste we implemented a task force to improve food waste management across the fleet. We are also installing food waste Bio-Digesters to minimize the volume of food waste.
In 2020, we continued to install additional biodigesters throughout the fleet. Biodigesters use an aerobic digestion process that takes place within the machines and efficiently breaks down food waste. This green technology also supports and enhances operations on board, making it more efficient for crew members to manage and control food waste.
Delivering larger, more efficient ships to replace some of the existing ships in the fleet.
Improving the existing fleet’s energy efficiency through investment, operational execution, itinerary design, expanding shore power capabilities and investing in port and destination projects.
Investing in a first-of-its-kind lithium-ion battery storage system and installing hull air lubrication systems, testing fuel cells powered by hydrogen derived from methanol and exploring carbon capture and storage.
Supporting the adaptation of alternative fuels including LNG and other bio and synthetic hydrogen-derived fuels.
We support the adaptation of alternative fuels and are testing new technologies as they become available. We are investing in new low-carbon or zero-carbon emission technologies, developing and installing advanced air quality systems and partnering with organizations and stakeholders to support our decarbonization efforts.
Our success depends on the diversity, talent and dedication of our global employee base. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive work environment with equal opportunities for professional growth throughout their career path.
As the world shifts towards a circular economy model where materials flow around a ‘closed loop’ system, we are shifting how we work with our supply chain partners to reduce waste.
As we travel the world, we have the privilege to explore many cultures and environments. It is our collective responsibility to respect and help them maintain their culture, history and natural resources.
Our employees are at the heart of our operation, and we are working on expanding our well-being programs to support their physical and mental health, encourage social connectivity with family and friends and promoting a balanced lifestyle.
Our efforts are focused on implementing best practices across our operations, investing in programs that support biodiversity and conservation, working with our supply chain and partnering with the communities we visit to help maintain and improve their ecosystems.