Carnival Corporation announced a new sustainability target: a 25 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity by 2029, compared to its 2019 baseline.
After reaching the goal of cutting GHG emissions intensity by 20 percent by 2030 five years early in 2025, the company has now raised its original target by five percentage points and accelerated its timeline to achieve the goal a full year early in 2029.
The company noted in a press release that the efficiency work behind that milestone also translates to cost reductions, with fuel-efficiency gains on track to save the company roughly $650 million in 2026 alone versus 2019 levels.
“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,” said Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation.
“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.”
The progress, detailed in its newly published 2025 Sustainability Report, is said to be driven by a comprehensive decarbonization strategy focused on operational improvements, energy efficiency investments and low-GHG power generation.
Since 2008, the company has reduced its GHG emissions intensity by 44 percent, meaning emissions associated with each guest sailing have been cut roughly in half during that time.
Carnival’s decarbonization strategy to achieve its 2029 target prioritizes lowering energy use today while developing the flexibility to pursue multiple fuel pathways in the future:
Operational Improvements & Energy Efficiency Investments
The company continuously improves ship operations and adopts technologies that lower energy use across its fleet to help reduce fuel consumption and drive performance.
Furthermore, operational enhancements, including smart itinerary planning and voyage optimization tools, help identify the most fuel-efficient routes and sailing patterns.
Carnival is also integrating technologies that reduce energy demand, improve hydrodynamic performance and capture energy that would otherwise be wasted.
This ranges from Power Saver Packs that reduce HVAC and lighting loads to waste heat recovery systems and air lubrication systems that help ships move more efficiently through the water.
One effort in this regard is an agreement with Jotun to implement the Hull Skating Solution (HSS), with Carnival becoming the first cruise operator to use the robotic hull-cleaning technology.
Complementing these initiatives, seven new ships scheduled to join the fleet through 2033 are expected to deliver more than 20 percent greater efficiency per passenger than current ships, the company added.
Low-GHG Power Generation
At the same time, Carnival is investing in various low-GHG technologies and solutions, including a growing fleet of LNG-powered ships.
This also includes expanding shore power capabilities that allow ships to connect to local electrical grids while in port, increased biofuel use as more supply comes online and peak energy use shaving with battery storage systems.
