The Disney Wish is the latest ship to join the Disney Cruise Line (DCL) fleet and it boasts impressive fuel efficiency and energy conservation features. Since the Disney Magic first sailed in 1998, DCL has had a commitment to minimizing its environmental impact and the Disney Wish is no exception. In fact, the ship is estimated to be nearly 30% more fuel efficient and emit approximately 20% less greenhouse gases compared to traditional cruise ships.
One of the main ways that the Disney Wish conserves energy is through the use of low-emission liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel source. Not only does LNG eliminate nearly all harmful sulfur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter emissions, it also reduces the emission of nitrogen oxide (NOx) by approximately 37% and reduces onboard carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by approximately 20%.
The Disney Wish also has demand-based heating and cooling systems, which adapt in real time to deliver the ideal amount of cold or hot air throughout the ship. This system, combined with energy efficient heating and air conditioning systems, is expected to save nearly 700 tons of fuel annually.
In addition to its advanced heating and cooling systems, the Disney Wish has a hydrodynamic hull and propeller that reduce the engine power needed to propel the ship. This helps to save nearly 1,800 tons of fuel annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6%.
The hull is also coated with a combination of two different materials – a non-toxic hard coating on the bottom and a silicone-based paint on the sides – which protects the ship while reducing its drag in the water and limiting barnacle growth.
Additionally, the Disney Wish re-purposes excess engine heat to warm the super-cooled LNG so it can be used to power the ship. The cold energy from the LNG tanks is then recycled into the ship’s energy efficient air-conditioning systems, which saves an additional 200 tons of fuel per year.
The ship’s wastewater treatment system is also best-in-class, saving 500 tons of fuel each year while purifying wastewater to levels that far exceed international shipping standards.
Energy savings also comes from the expansive use of LED lighting on the Disney Wish, with approximately 90% of all lighting onboard being LED. This reduces weekly energy consumption from lighting by approximately 30% and lessens the demand on the ship’s cooling systems compared to traditional lighting.
More improvements coming soon
In 2023, the Disney Wish is expected to be equipped with a 1-megawatt fuel cell that will provide additional emission-free energy for various onboard systems. This prototype installation will be one of the largest in a marine environment and will help DCL and the industry better understand the feasibility of large-scale fuel cell installations onboard cruise and shipping vessels.
Overall, the Disney Wish is a state-of-the-art ship that sets a new standard for fuel efficiency and energy conservation in the cruise industry. We’re glad to see DCL utilizing the latest technologies and investing in sustainable practices. It’s clear that the Disney Wish is helping to lead the way in responsible travel.
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