Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH), which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, has partnered with Global Maritime Forum (GMF).
GMF is a non-profit organisation committed to shaping the future of global seaborne trade to increase sustainable long-term economic development and human wellbeing.
The new partnership closely aligns with NCLH’s efforts to drive a positive impact on society and the environment through its global sustainability programme, Sail & Sustain, including its commitment to pursue net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, the company said.
“We are pleased to partner with the Global Maritime Forum and join its flagship initiative, the Getting to Zero Coalition, as we believe cross-sector partnership is a catalyst for innovation and effective change,” said Harry Sommer, NCLH’s President and CEO (pictured).
“We look forward to collaborating with other like-minded and solution-oriented stakeholders on meaningful initiatives to drive a positive change, strengthen resilience, accelerate de-carbonisation efforts and best position the maritime industry for a bright future ahead,” he said.
Earlier this year, the company announced short- and near-term greenhouse gas (GHG) targets to support its net zero by 2050 ambition and its revised climate action strategy, which focuses on three key pillars – Efficiency, Innovation and Collaboration.
The new partnership highlights NCLH’s commitment to the Collaboration pillar, as the company plans to participate in a variety of initiatives led by GMF, including the Getting to Zero Coalition.
Initially founded, together with the World Economic Forum, Friends of Ocean Action and the GMF, the Getting to Zero Coalition is an alliance of more than 200 organisations within the maritime, energy, infrastructure and finance sectors, committed to getting commercially viable deepsea zero emission vessels powered by zero emission fuels into operation by 2030 to support the industry in its journey towards full de-carbonisation by 2050.
NCLH also said it is exploring engagement opportunities focused on human sustainability and inclusion across the industry.
“We are pleased to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings as a Global Maritime Forum partner,” said Johannah Christensen, GMF CEO. “The cruise segment is a critical part of the global maritime industry, and we are confident that Norwegian will bring a diverse perspective and valuable expertise to our collaborative platform of maritime leaders.”
Established in 2017, the GMF has served as a platform for dialogue and collective action, successfully bringing together influential decision-makers through its many working groups and workshops.
One of the most significant initiatives led under its auspices was the development of the Poseidon Principles, a framework, which guides financial institutions in integrating climate considerations into lending decisions in line with the IMO’s climate-related goals.
To date, 30 financial institutions have joined the initiative, representing around $200 bill in loans to international shipping or over 70% of the global shipping finance portfolio.
Since its inception, NCLH has participated and provided data to signatory banks in alignment to the Poseidon Principles.
