Continuing Disney Cruise Line’s (DCL) longtime dedication to minimizing its impact on the environment, the Disney Wish is estimated to be nearly 30 percent more fuel efficient and emit approximately 20 percent less greenhouse gases. DCL remains committed to investing in our current fleet by utilizing new technologies, increasing fuel efficiency, and minimizing waste, including the fleet-wide conversion in 2020 to ultra-low-sulfur fuel that exceeds international maritime regulations.
Fuel Efficiency and Energy Conservation
- Low-Emission Liquefied-Natural Gas (LNG): The Disney Wish’s use of LNG eliminates nearly all harmful sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter emissions, reduces the emission of nitrogen oxide (NOx) by approximately 37 percent, and reduces onboard carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately 20 percent compared to traditional diesel or marine fuel.
- Demand-Based Heating and Cooling: Combined with energy efficient heating and air conditioning systems, demand-based heating and cooling systems will adapt in real time to deliver the ideal amount of cold or hot air throughout the ship while saving nearly 700 tons of fuel annually.
- Hydrodynamic Hull and Propulsion: The hydrodynamic hull and propeller reduce the engine power needed to propel the ship, saving nearly 1,800 tons of fuel annually and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 6 percent.
- Hull Coating: A combination of two different materials – a non-toxic hard coating on the bottom and a silicone-based paint on the sides – protect the ship while reducing its drag in the water and limiting barnacle growth.
- Re-Purposing Excess Engine Heat: Excess heat from the engines is re-purposed to warm the super-cooled LNG so it can be used to power the ship. Cold energy from the LNG tanks is then recycled into the ship’s energy efficient air-conditioning systems. This interconnected system saves 200 tons of fuel per year.
- Best-in-Class Wastewater Purification: The ship’s wastewater treatment system saves 500 tons of fuel each year while purifying wastewater to levels far exceeding international shipping standards.
- Expansive use of LED Lighting: LED makes up approximately 90 percent of all lighting onboard, which reduces weekly energy consumption from lighting by approximately 30 percent and lessens the demand on the ship’s cooling systems compared to traditional lighting.
Monitoring the Ship’s Performance
- Environmental Officers: These officers are ranked among the most senior leaders onboard and are charged with monitoring the ship’s water quality and supply, training fellow officers and crew, and overseeing multiple environmental initiatives.
- Monitoring and Management System: A state-of-the-art energy management system tracks the ship’s performance to ensure it is operating efficiently and help uncover more ways to enhance its energy efficiency.
Onboard Minimization of Waste
- Plastic Waste: Washable dinnerware is offered to Guests throughout the ship in place of single- use plastic utensils, and biodegradable straws are used instead of plastic ones.
- Onboard Recycling: Extensive onboard recycling efforts are further enhanced by special programs like DCL’s continued partnership with Nassau to offload used cooking oil to be recycled into biodiesel fuel.
- Water Conservation: Naturally occurring condensation from the air-conditioning units is recycled to supply fresh water for onboard laundry facilities and for cleaning the outer decks of the ships, saving approximately 7.5 million gallons of water each year.