Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines and CLIA Welcome UK Government Officials Aboard Borealis for Net Zero Roundtable

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines welcomed UK government officials and energy stakeholders aboard Borealis for a roundtable discussion hosted by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), focused on accelerating the cruise industry’s path to net zero.

The event, held on 12^th November 2025 at Portsmouth International Port Cruise Terminal, brought together influential voices from across the energy and transport sectors, including the Energy Networks Association, Ofgem, the National Energy System Operator, and officials from the Department for Transport and the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero.

Chaired by CLIA, the roundtable provided a forum to explore methods for achieving the cruise sector’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050, in alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2023 strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

Central to the dialogue was the cruise industry’s evolving energy landscape and the role of Onshore Power Supply (OPS) in this transition. OPS enables ships to draw electricity from the grid while berthed, significantly reducing in-port emissions. Portsmouth’s OPS system, currently under installation, is projected to cut carbon emissions by 20,000 metric tonnes annually from 2027.

Mike Sellers, Director at Portsmouth International Port, commented:

“It’s evident there is a real appetite for sustainable fuel technology. While delivering this innovative system is not without its challenges, it was great to know that there’s a support and willingness for this to be a success.”

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines has committed to using OPS wherever available across its equipped sister ships – Borealis and Bolette – while continuing to invest in low-carbon technologies to support a more sustainable future for cruising. Recent upgrades include silicone-based hull coatings and advanced propeller systems designed to improve hydrodynamic efficiency and fuel performance.

Attendees were also given the opportunity to go behind the scenes of Fred. Olsen’s Borealis, with guided tours of the Engine Control Room, Shore Power Room, Recycling Centre, and the Bridge – providing insight into the cruise line’s operations and the sustainability measures being implemented to minimise environmental impact.

Samantha Stimpson, CEO of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said:

“We are proud to have hosted this important discussion aboard Borealis and help shape the cruise industry’s path toward net zero emissions. Achieving net zero by 2050 is ambitious, which makes events like this vital for identifying practical strategies and collaborative solutions.

“For us, sustainability is more than a goal – it’s a responsibility. By adopting solutions such as shore power and working hand in hand with government and industry partners, we can make meaningful progress in reducing our impact and protecting the oceans we sail and the destinations we’re privileged to visit.”

Andy Harmer OBE, Managing Director of CLIA UK & Ireland, added:

“The Roundtable hosted onboard Borealis was a great opportunity to discuss the importance of Onshore Power Supply which is a crucial component of our industry’s decarbonisation journey. Over 50% of the global cruise fleet is already able to plug in, allowing ships to turn off their engines for emissions reductions of up to 98%.

“CLIA has a vital role in bringing industry together with Governments, raising the importance of environmental technologies and practices so that we can work together in our pursuit of net zero emissions by 2050.”

The event underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration between cruise lines, ports, and government in achieving decarbonisation targets and the broader ambition of net zero. Across the industry, operators are adopting measures such as Onshore Power Supply (OPS), alternative fuels, and energy-efficiency technologies to accelerate progress.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines remains committed to minimising its environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable cruise industry for future generations.

For further information on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ sustainability initiatives, visit www.fredolsencruises.com/sustainability

About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. On behalf of the industry, together with its members and partners, the organisation supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment, as well as promote positive travel experiences. The CLIA community includes the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and speciality cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services.

Learn more at https://cruising.org/