As we look ahead to 2025, Portugal remains Europe’s gateway to the Atlantic, driving responsible and sustainable growth in cruise tourism. With its key location connecting Europe to the Atlantic, the country’s ports – Lisbon, Leixões, Setúbal, Portimão, and the islands of Madeira and the Azores – are rethinking cruise travel with a focus on sustainability.
Nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the Port of Lisbon, where a 37 million Euro investment is electrifying the Lisbon Cruise Terminal. By 2026, cruise ships docking in Lisbon will be able to switch off their engines and connect to shore power, significantly reducing emissions and improving air quality. This investment builds on technology that the cruise industry pioneered over two decades ago and aligns with the European Union’s 2030 mandate for Onshore Power Supply (OPS) connectivity. Today, 146 cruise ships globally are equipped to connect to shore power, representing 61% of the fleet by capacity – a nearly 20% increase in just the past year. By 2028, this number will rise to 239 ships, underscoring the industry’s proactive approach to sustainability.
The Sustainability Council at the Port of Lisbon exemplifies the collaborative efforts driving this progress. By bringing together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, the council ensures that economic development, environmental preservation, and social inclusion remain central to the growth of cruise tourism in the region. This initiative highlights how governance and coordination can align local priorities with global sustainability goals.
The Port of Lisbon is also embracing renewable energy through a proposal to install photovoltaic panels, valued at 250,000 Euros. These efforts show how Portugal is positioning in the way of the green maritime transition, ensuring the long-term viability of cruise tourism while preserving the natural environment.
The cruise ships of today and tomorrow are not just vessels of leisure; they are hubs of technological innovation. Across the globe, cruise lines are investing billions in advanced engines, alternative fuels, and energy-efficient systems to decouple growth from emissions. In Europe, these advancements have already delivered an average 16% reduction in CO2 emissions per ship compared to 2019.
The journey toward a sustainable future is not without challenges. (…) Yet, the progress made so far provides a strong foundation for achieving net-zero emission cruising and ensuring that cruise tourism enriches both the environment and the communities it touches.
Multiple pathways are being pursued to decarbonize the industry. The testing and expansion of biofuels, capable of being used with existing engines, offer immediate solutions. LNG propulsion continues to gain traction, with 41 LNG-fueled ships set to enter service by 2028. Meanwhile, green methanol is emerging as a promising alternative, with seven ships incorporating this technology in the coming years. Fuel cells and batteries are also being explored to power onboard facilities, showcasing the sector’s dedication to innovation and sustainability.
However, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will require more than technical advancements. Governments must play a pivotal role by incentivizing the production and availability of sustainable marine fuels. Collaborative efforts between cruise lines, ports, academic institutions, and the entire supply chain are crucial to overcoming these challenges and accelerating the transition to greener alternatives.
The benefits of these innovations extend far beyond the ships themselves. In Madeira, a collaborative initiative between the Municipality of Funchal, APRAM, and CLIA has resulted in the planting of native and endemic species, preserving the island’s biodiversity while promoting ecological awareness. This partnership exemplifies how the cruise industry can align its growth with the environmental and social needs of local communities.
In Lisbon, the economic impact of cruise tourism is undeniable. Each ship visit generates an average of 2.29 million Euros in GDP, creates 59 jobs, and contributes nearly a million Euros in tax revenue. This ripple effect highlights how sustainable practices can drive economic benefits, ensuring that the industry’s growth is both responsible and inclusive.
The journey toward a sustainable future is not without challenges. Transitioning to alternative fuels, scaling green technologies, and navigating evolving regulations will demand significant investment and strong commitment. Yet, the progress made so far provides a strong foundation for achieving net-zero emission cruising and ensuring that cruise tourism enriches both the environment and the communities it touches.
Portugal’s cruise sector is charting a new course, one that balances growth with environmental stewardship and social responsibility. By leveraging innovation, fostering collaboration, and making bold investments in environmental technologies, the cruise industry is proving that sustainable cruising is not just a possibility but a reality. As the world looks to the seas for inspiration, Portugal’s ports and partnerships stand as a testament to what can be achieved when commitment and collaboration come together.
JULIE GREEN – Deputy Director General, Europe at Cruise Lines International Association
