First Gas-Powered Cruise Ship Ready for Launch

There’s been a bit of news recently about AIDAnova, the world’s first liquefied natural gas-powered cruise ship. And, as the ship undergoes sea trials and readies for its first passenger trip in December, the excitement amongst members of the cruise industry and holidaymakers alike has continued to build.

The 337m long, 42m wide cruiser has capacity to carry over 5, 000 passengers at any one time. For those that are keen on a relaxing time, there are jacuzzies and luxury spas galore, while a mini golf course and water park will keep everyone else entertained.

The gas-powered ship marks an enormous turning point for the maritime industry, as natural gas is a much cleaner fuel and will drastically reduce emissions in line with improving global air quality standards. AIDAnova is the first of many gas-powered cruise liners, as other companies including Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line adopt new technology.

Australians planning cruise ship getaways can expect LNG-powered cruise ships to be carrying them soon. One town excited about the opportunity of LNG-powered cruise ships and the tourism they bring is Broome in northern Western Australia.

In early October the Australian Cruise Association held its annual conference in Broome, bringing together delegates from the cruise industry to experience what the town had to offer and how best to invest in a growing local industry. While most of the cruise ships stopping in Broome won’t be LNG-powered yet, that’s all pegged to change as the industry transforms itself.

The Kimberley Ports Authority has been working closely with Tourism WA to improve facilities to accommodate large cruise vessels and is expecting Broome to receive almost twice as many cruise liners in 2019.

“Broome looks forward to welcoming all cruise ships”, says former Shire of Broom President, Ron Johnston. “It’s very exciting that [going] into the future ships will be fuelled by natural gas, given the significant contribution the industry has had to the town”.