It’s one small step for global warning but a “giant” step for Royal Caribbean Group, as the cruise company pledges to achieve net zero emissions amongst its brands by 2050.

Dubbed “Destination Net Zero,” the comprehensive decarbonization strategy will based on science-based targets (SBT) and achieving a zero emissions goal that is “the most important destination of all in our company’s history,” according to RCG chairman and CEO Richard Fain.

“Decades ago, we set out on a course to advance sustainability; our vision now is to realize carbon-free cruising over the next two decades,” he announced, adding, “Destination Net Zero (is) an ambitious strategy to cut emissions, protect our oceans, and ensure the viability of the hundreds of destinations that our guests and crew members care deeply about.”

RCG maintains its vision “builds on decades of progress and a deep sense of responsibility to embed sustainability throughout the organization.”

Over 18 to 24 months, the cruise company will develop goals to be validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the first such pledge for the cruise industry. The work will begin following the publication of SBTi’s marine transport methodology. Science-based targets show companies how much, and how quickly, they need to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to help limit global warming.

Among the key progress milestones of the strategy will be the delivery of a net zero cruise ship by 2035, an ambition the company will be realized through strong partnerships with governments, suppliers, and shipyards to develop alternative and accessible fuels and technology.

Destination Net Zero’s four-pronged approach includes:

• Modernization of the global brands fleet through the introduction of 13 new energy-efficient and alternatively fueled vessels, including its recently announced ‘Project Evolution’ – the industry’s first ship to remove all local emissions while at port.

• Continued investment in energy efficiency programs for its fleet, including energy saving technologies, enhanced data systems and digitalization.

• Development of alternative fuel and alternative power solutions.

• Optimized deployment and integration of strategic shore-based supply chains.

Royal Caribbean says it is confident it can reach measurable goals is based on its track record of already having designed and operated some of the most energy efficient ships on the seas, including utilizing optimized hull design and system upgrades such as AC chillers, which uses 30-40% less energy.

RCG says it has consistently delivered a new generation of ships 20-25% more efficient than their predecessors.

Examples include Silversea Cruises’ ‘Project Evolution’ – the cruise industry’s first hybrid-powered ship set to debut summer 2023 – and a wind farm in Kansas that will offset up to 12% of scope 1 and 2 emissions per year, as well as already working on the development of emissions-reducing technology and alternative fuel solutions.

The company also points to a “30-year voyage” of reducing its environmental footprint, that began with the “Save the Waves” program, an ambitious effort that grew from a recycling program into a company-wide approach to embedding challenging, achievable, measurable sustainability targets into the bedrock of the company’s culture.

“Over the ensuing three decades, protecting the planet’s finite natural resources evolved organically from a choice to a way of life for the company and its employees,” says RCI.

In 2016, the Group built on the commitment by embarking on a partnership with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and established ambitious initial 2020 targets to reduce its environmental footprint, support ocean conservation globally and raise awareness among the company’s more than 5 million passengers about the importance of ocean conservation.

Earlier this year, it announced it had met or exceeded its 2020 goals, with the exception of a sustainable seafood sourcing target (now expected to be met by 2022) that was impacted by the travel suspension from the pandemic.

“Destination Net Zero will help guide our decision-making in the years to come and builds on Royal Caribbean Group’s continuous improvement mantra,” said Silvia Garrigo, Royal Caribbean Group Chief Environmental Social Governance (ESG) Officer. “While we may not have all the answers now, this comprehensive company-wide strategy amplifies our focus on long-term emissions reduction and provides us a roadmap for how to get there.”