LNG-Powered Disney Wish is Among Most Energy Efficient Cruise Ships at Sea
In building its fifth ship, Disney Cruise Line continues its commitment to the environment by investing in new technologies, increasing fuel efficiency, and minimizing waste.
PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. (June 29, 2022) – From bow to stern, Walt Disney Imagineers designed the Disney Wish to be among the most fuel and energy efficient cruise ships on the water. Through a combination of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and numerous advances in ship design, Disney Cruise Line’s (DCL) newest ship is estimated to be nearly 30 percent more fuel efficient and emit approximately 20 percent less greenhouse gases.
“At Disney Cruise Line, we remain dedicated to limiting our impact on the environment as we support The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2030,” said Sharon Siskie, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Disney Cruise Line. “We continue to look for innovative ways to make a difference across our entire fleet, including using new technology to increase fuel efficiency and reduce energy consumption.”
Compared to traditional diesel or marine fuel, the Disney Wish’s use of LNG eliminates nearly all harmful sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter emissions, reduces the emission of a greenhouse gas known as nitrogen oxide (NOx) by 37 percent, and reduces onboard carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately 20 percent. This is not the first time DCL has used cleaner-burning fuels to power its ships. In 2020, DCL converted its current four-ship fleet to ultra-low-sulfur fuel that exceeds international maritime regulations.
The Disney Wish also conserves energy onboard through next-generation heating and cooling systems, expansive use of LED lighting, a best-in-class wastewater purification system, hydrodynamic hull and propulsion designs and numerous systems optimized for energy conservation.
In the engine room, one way the Disney Wish uses less fuel is with an interconnected system that re- purposes heat from the engines to warm the super-cooled LNG that powers the ship. In return, the cold energy from the LNG tanks is recycled into the ship’s energy efficient air-conditioning systems, reducing the amount of electricity needed to keep the ship’s interior cool. This process is expected to save the Disney Wish 200 tons of fuel per year.
The ship’s demand-based heating and cooling systems will further save energy by adapting to real- time conditions in delivering the ideal amount of hot or cold air to Guests’ staterooms, galleys and other areas of the ship. Doing so will conserve 700 tons of fuel annually while maintaining a comfortable onboard environment for all. In addition to staying comfortable while onboard, Guests will notice that 90 percent of the ship’s lighting uses LED bulbs, which reduce weekly energy consumption from lighting by approximately 30 percent and lessen the demand on the ship’s cooling systems.
