What Does a Cruise Ship Use for Fuel?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ships are some of the most unique vessels in the world. These massive and luxurious ships offer travelers a unique and exciting way to experience the world’s oceans, lakes, rivers, and seas.

But what powers these gigantic vessels? What kind of fuel do cruise ships use?

Most cruise ships use a combination of marine diesel oil (MDO) and marine gas oil (MGO). MDO is a low-sulphur fuel that’s used for main propulsion and auxiliary power generation.

It has a low sulphur content, making it more environment friendly than traditional marine fuels. MGO is used for auxiliary power generation and has a higher sulphur content than MDO, making it less environment friendly.

Cruise ships also use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as an alternative fuel source. LNG is one of the cleanest burning fuels available today and is becoming increasingly popular with cruise lines as it reduces emissions significantly compared to traditional fuels. It also offers cost savings in terms of fuel costs, as LNG is generally cheaper than traditional fuels.

Another alternative fuel source used by some cruise lines is liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This type of fuel is derived from natural gas but has been processed to reduce its sulphur content and increase its energy efficiency. It’s becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to diesel because it offers both environmental benefits and cost savings due to its lower cost compared to diesel or LNG.

Finally, some cruise lines are beginning to experiment with biofuels as a potential alternative fuel source. Biofuels are renewable sources of energy that can be produced from plant or animal by-products such as vegetable oils or animal fats. Biofuels offer environmental benefits over traditionally used fossil fuels as well as potential cost savings if produced on a large scale.

Conclusion: Cruise ships use a combination of marine diesel oil (MDO), marine gas oil (MGO), liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and biofuels to power their vessels around the world’s oceans, lakes, rivers, and seas. Each type of fuel offers its own advantages in terms of emissions levels, energy efficiency, cost effectiveness, availability, and environmental impact – allowing cruise lines to choose the best option for their needs while also reducing their overall impact on the environment.