Carbon Emissions from Cruise Ships: A Case Study in The Ports of Souda and Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Modern cruise ships consume considerable amounts of energy and emit large quantities of greenhouse gases during their luxury trips compared with other types of tourism. During the last years the ports of Souda and Heraklion, Crete host a large number of cruise vessels. The carbon emissions of cruise ships during their mooring in the abovementioned ports have been estimated using data from the existing literature. The alternative fuels which can be used in these cruise ships decreasing their emissions have been also examined. The carbon emissions from the mooring of cruise vessels in Souda port in 2024 have estimated at 16,505 tnCO₂ while in Heraklion port at 30,537 tnCO₂. Cruise ships face mounting pressure to reduce their environmental impact and alternative fuels are central to this transformation. Several alternative fuels including LNG, biofuels, hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and electricity can be used in cruise ships substituting the fossil fuels currently used like heavy fuel oil. The ports of Souda and Heraklion should develop the necessary infrastructure to provide alternative fuels and on-shore electricity to cruise vessels approaching these ports in the near future. The current study could be useful to ports’ authorities in Crete, to cruising companies as well as to the stakeholders of Cretan ports.