Miami-based cruise ship major Carnival Corporation & plc has realized a 26.3 percent cut in CO2 emissions compared with the figure of 2005, surpassing its 2020 target in advance.

By the end of last year, 62 percent of the company's fleet was equipped with exhaust gas cleaning systems, which can reduce sulfur compounds and particulate matter in vessels' engine exhaust. In addition, 43 percent of the fleet had the capability to use shoreside electric power when docked.

According to Bill Burke, chief maritime officer at Carnival Corporation, in order to be a responsible global organization, it needs to have sustainability in all aspects of its operation.

Besides, the compnay has invested in two major environmental intiatives, EGCS and LNG. They provide a balanced approach to fuel usage and clean-air emissions. For example, in 2017, Carnival Corp added the world's second cruise ship powered by LNG while in port.

It is worth noting that this December, AIDAnova will start its maiden voyage as the first fully LNG-powered cruise ship globally. It is capable of running exclusively on LNG both in port and at sea. What's more, six more fully LNG-powered vessels under the company will be put into operation by 2022.