Kelly Craighead (CLIA): “I can’t think of two better organisations to work together”
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and Interferry will partner to achieve net-zero goals, it was revealed at Interferry’s annual conference in Seattle
CLIA president and chief executive Kelly Craighead gave a keynote speech – a view from cruise – in which she said, “Both our industries have endured quite a bit over the last few years but we are well positioned to leverage the momentum of this moment when are people are excited to travel. I can’t think of two better organisations to work together.”
She told delegates at the ferry association’s conference about the investments the cruise industry is making in new ships and innovations: there are 75 ships on order over the next five years, which will increase CLIA’s global capacity to 40M passengers – a 30% increase versus 2019.
She commented, “One thing that did not stop [over the pandemic] was our commitment to investing in technology and innovations. The 75 ships on order over next the five years are some of the most innovative, so some good has come out of the pandemic – the level of investment that has gone into ships that will sail to a better future.
Focusing on sustainability, she said, “CLIA has launched a series of initiatives to get our story out. In our commitment to pursue net-zero carbon cruising by 2050, CLIA membership need to connect to onshore electricity. We need to equip all ships to connect to shore side connectivity.”
Indeed, in a regulatory update Interferry chief executive Mike Corrigan gave in the following conference session, he highlighted the importance of ensuring ferries can plug into onshore power to meet 2030 regulations and in efforts to boost the provision shore power systems, Interferry is having conversations with CLIA.
Ms Craighead said there are three pillars to net zero for CLIA: reducing the carbon footprint of ships at berth and sea, investing in advanced environmental technology on board and the ability to communicate with cities and ports in sustainable destination management.
The three key elements are sustainable transport, sustainable hospitality services and sustainable destination stewardship.
In a call for links between CLIA and Interferry, she told delegates, “You have a partner organisation in CLIA. This is an opportunity for you to connect with cruise companies themselves – you might have an idea that they don’t know about. It is a chance to be part of those discussions and have access to our data. We are looking forward to piquing your interest to learn more about the contributions the cruise industry makes.”
