Carnival works with Wärtsilä on decarbonization path

Cruise ship company Carnival will use Wärtsilä’s new Decarbonization Modelling Service as part of an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its fleet.

Initially tasked with establishing an optimal decarbonization path for the cruise ship Regal Princess, the project will expand to model solutions that could be applied to the entire Carnival fleet.

Under the fleet decarbonization program, a digital model of Regal Princess will be created by combining operational data from several different sources. Modeling capabilities and machine-learning algorithms developed by Wärtsilä will deliver a detailed analysis of vessel operational data.

The model will be used to simulate the impact of several technologies. A specific focus will be given to E-start, Wärtsilä’s patented electric smokeless start solution, as well as the Wärtsilä HY hybrid power concept with energy storage. The simulations will identify the most beneficial retrofittable solution while minimizing the required installation.

“At Carnival Corp., we are totally committed to decarbonizing our operations,” said Chris Millman, vice president, Corporate Marine Technology, Carnival Corporation. “A systematic, data-driven approach is essential. By working closely with Wärtsilä, a company with a depth of experience and expertise, we can establish a model that will allow us to get it right the first time.”

Modeling the Regal Princess will help identify decarbonization solutions for Carnival’s wider fleet. (Image; Carnival Corp.)

Wärtsilä’ said there are multiple ways for ship owners and operators to comply with the International Maritime Organization’s upcoming Energy Efficiency for Existing Ships Index (EEXI) and the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). Wärtsilä’s Decarbonization Modelling Service tackles this challenge by combining data-driven assessments with expert insight – enabling operators to maximize environmental impact with cost-effective investments.

“We are delighted to work with Carnival Corp. on this important project. The complexity of current and forthcoming environmental regulations requires a methodical, systematic approach. The Decarbonization Modelling Service is the most effective means for assessing and assuring the performance of investments aimed at meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets,” said Giulio Tirelli, director, Business Development, Wärtsilä Marine Power.

Decarbonization modeling is part of a suite of services to help ship owners plan their pathway to reducing emissions and complying with incoming regulations. It utilizes several advanced machine-learning algorithms, including those powering Wärtsilä’s CII Insight – a new set of capabilities that enable owners to forecast vessel compliance with CII and understand the impact of alternative solutions.

The Regal Princess is a 330-m long, 142,000 gross tonne cruise ship built in 2014. It has a maximum capacity of 5600 passengers and crew. The vessel is part of Carnival’s fleet of more than 100 vessels across 10 cruise brands.