Mardi Gras – the first cruise ship in the Americas powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) – refueled for the first time at its homeport of Port Canaveral which built the new Terminal 3 to accommodate this game-changing ship. The ship made its U.S. debut docking for the first time at Port Canaveral on Friday.
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 process took close to eight hours via a new 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.
“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,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
