Eco-Design

In line with our Environmental Policy and the objectives of the Sustainability Plan, we have defined product design criteria through an eco-design system to promote the development of eco-sustainable ships by applying specific product design criteria. For each project, objectives can be identified to ensure that the assumptions, principles, and control metrics (KPIs) established for the creation of an eco-sustainable product are concretely implemented in design choices and in the procurement of equipment and machinery that make up the ship, following the eco-design procedure.

In 2024, we continued on this sustainable path by updating the initiatives already available based on the latest technological developments and removing those that, being widely adopted and in current use for some time, no longer hold innovative value. Within the same policy, regarding the different environmental aspects, we have defined criteria to internally enhance the technological solutions adopted for each shipbuilding project. This approach allows us to compare different constructions and monitor over time the trends of environmental sustainability of the product.

The eco-design criteria are applied in the following areas throughout the entire product life cycle:

• development/construction of the product;

• management of the product during its operational life;

• management of the product disposal at end of life.

During the design phase, the adopted criteria aim to identify:

• solutions that reduce the environmental impact of the materials introduced into the production unit for shipbuilding, for instance through the reduction of emissions, energy consumption, and the use of hazardous substances;

• solutions that mitigate pollution in both the atmosphere and the marine environment;

• solutions for the onboard management and treatment of waste, including dehydration, stabilization, and compaction for onboard storage or discharge ashore. This includes the replacement of traditional incinerators with new technologies featuring lower environmental impact;

• solutions that lead to a reduction in energy consumption.

Design choices, with regard to the product’s operational phase, take into account energy consumption and interactions with the surrounding environment, also drawing comparisons with similar and “best-in-class” products on the market.

Environmental impact mitigation related to the product’s decommissioning phase is likewise considered in the design process. This is achieved by selecting materials, components, and systems with characteristics that help minimize environmental impact during dismantling and end-of-life disposal operations.

Although the disposal of materials at the end of a vessel’s service life falls outside the scope of the construction phase — being managed directly by shipowners — our cruise ships are equipped with voluntary certifications such as Green Passport, Clean Ship, or Eco (the name varies depending on the classification society). All military vessels are delivered with the Green Passport, and some also carry the Clean certification.

Environmental Impact of products and services: 2023-2027 Sustainability Plan objectives and targets

Development of ecologically sustainable products and services with the aim of contributing to a circular and low carbon economy