Carnival’s Mardi Gras is the first cruise ship in North America to be powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Since arriving to much fanfare at Port Canaveral, Florida on Friday, Mardi Gras received her first refueling, while she was berthed at her home at the brand-new Terminal 3.
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In its liquefied state, LNG is odorless, colorless, more environmentally friendly and competitively priced compared to other fuels. Among the cleanest fuels in the world, LNG significantly reduces emissions with cleaner exhaust and maintains its “liquefied” nature by being refrigerated at a very cold temperature – minus 259 degrees Fahrenheit.
The refueling process took eight hours via a new LNG fueling barge that delivered enough LNG to power Mardi Gras’ four engines for approximately 14 days. LNG not only powers Mardi Gras’ propulsion systems utilizing Azipods, it’s used for all shipboard systems, from elevators, lighting and computers to galley equipment and, of course, BOLT, the first roller coaster at sea.
LNG is part of Carnival’s overall sustainability and environmental efforts that also include advanced waste water treatment systems, advanced air quality systems (“scrubbers”), shore power connection capabilities, and comprehensive waste management, recycling and energy conservation programs. These are in addition to the many initiatives to reduce single-use plastics wherever we can on board.
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line said:
“Today was another milestone in what promises to be many ‘firsts’ for Mardi Gras. Many thanks to our partners at Shell and Port Canaveral for their role in bringing LNG to the Americas,”
