Keeping its ecological footprint as low as possible was high on the agenda at TUI Cruises from day one when the brand launched in 2008, according to CEO Wybcke Meier, who was speaking at the SMM event in Germany on Tuesday.

“We were able to build new ships and we built in Finland. Everything was driven to make these ships environmentally friendly and more energy efficient.

“In addition to the regulatory environment … Our customers expect it,” she said.

Meier pointed to the new Mein Schiff 7, which was delivered from Meyer Turku ready to run on methanol or bio-methanol when it becomes available.

She said the next generation of ships would come with dual fuel engines offering flexibility. The company’s 2025 newbuild, Mein Schiff Relax, will be LNG fueled with the ability to also run on bio LNG, she said.

“Energy efficiency for cruise operators is a little easier. We have 65 percent of our capacity in Europe so slow steaming is easier,” she said.

Meier said that while the company can make progress with both operational and technical improvements, both on new and existing ships, it needs policy and government support to get access to low emission fuels.

Meier noted the company’s carbon plan includes alternative fuel and energy efficiency, and said each new ship was more efficient than the last.

“Last year we implemented guiding principles for our ship leadership, to learn from new ships, including very simple things,” she explained.

“We are also trying hull paints and air lubrication systems. We are currently testing a hull cleaning robot. We are implementing a system to allow more data-driven decisions for the ship leadership.

“From 2023 to 2024 we basically had the same itineraries. Two of the itineraries even got longer because we needed to go around South Africa, and we managed to save 3 percent in energy just by ship operations.

“Apart from alternative fuels and shore power use, going to 2030, (we are targeting) 12 percent savings by operational and technical measurements applied to the ships.”