Topics & Positions
Cruises
Absolute reduction of emissions
An increasing number of people want to take a cruise and discover the world while traveling the oceans. The TUI Group's cruise companies are seizing the opportunities for growth – sustainably and responsibly. By 2030, we want to reduce CO₂e emissions of our fleets by 27.5 per cent compared to 2019, in absolute terms. We will achieve this through the optimisation of routes, energy efficiency measures on board, use of shorepower and the transformation of fuels and state-of-the-art propulsion systems. Political support is indispensable.
New impulses in sustainability
With its cruise brands Mein Schiff, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Marella Cruises, TUI Group is one of the leading providers in the industry. We consistently focus on innovation in our cruise ships, see the latest additions to the Mein Schiff fleet from TUI Cruises in 2025 and 2026. The newbuilds Mein Schiff Relax and Mein Schiff Flow of the InTUItion Class...
- …are powered by LNG engines and are set to use bio-LNG and e-LNG as fuel in the future, to enable even lower-emission operation,
- …use improved catalytic converters to reduce nitrogen oxides (Euro 6 standard),
- …are fitted with a shore power connection that reduces pollutant emissions to virtually zero whilst the vessel is berthed in port – which accounts for around 40 per cent of its operating time.
The latter already applies to most of our other ships: 12 of TUI Cruises’ 13 ships are fitted with shore power connections. Emissions are also reduced by our cruise companies through fuel-saving schedules: our cruise ships sail according to the “slow streaming” principle, which means low speeds and the shortest possible distances between ports. We are also committed to reducing our environmental impact on board the ships: Modern wastewater treatment plants purify the wastewater produced, garbage is reduced or recycled as far as possible, and we use the waste heat from the engines to increase energy efficiency on board.
Creating local value with responsibility
A sustainable cruise strengthens cruise destinations enormously. For example, each guest on a seven-day cruise spends an average of 660 euros in port cities. German guests in particular love excursions, so the average expenditure at TUI Cruises is even higher – museums and cultural institutions, restaurant operators, souvenir stores, local excursion providers, bus operators, cab drivers and local authorities benefit via port fees.
TUI is aware of the challenges at individual hotspots among the cruise destinations. It is crucial that tourism is sustainable and that local people benefit. Local authorities and ports should therefore control and limit ship visits where necessary. TUI expressly supports this. In this way, cruise tourism can make its contribution to local value creation, see CLIA figures from 2024: At European level, the cruise industry contributed a total of around 28.3 billion euros to GDP and supported some 445,000 jobs. The industry also underpins the European shipbuilding sector. 97 per cent of the world’s ocean-going cruise ships are built in Europe.
Regulated working conditions on board
When it comes to working conditions on board, it is important to know: maritime is the only industry with globally binding social standards. The Maritime Labour Convention of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) – drawn up with the participation of trade unions such as ver.di – guarantees a safe workplace on board, appropriate employment and living conditions, and medical care. This ensures social standards and fair competition amongst shipping companies.
Creating sustainable port infrastructure
The Cruise lines are making upfront investments, but they need compelling political support. Two key issues are:
- Accelerate shore power supply: large parts of our fleets are already equipped for shore power. Across Europe, only around 30 ports offer shore power for large cruise ships. There is an urgent need to develop the necessary infrastructure, particularly in Mediterranean countries. It is also crucial that ports present green electricity concepts.
- Push expansion of alternative fuels: TUI Cruises' new ships could in the future be powered by bio-LNG, energy based on renewable electricity or green methanol. Politicians are urgently called upon to provide appropriate incentives to boost the market ramp-up of these alternative fuels.