Are Cruise Ships Diesel Powered?

Most new cruise ships use diesel-electric engines, which are similar to traditional diesel engines but with the main engines connected to the main propeller shaft. Conventional diesel vessels have engines located near the bottom of the ship due to their weight and usually towards the aft of the ship. Cruise ships use a special type of diesel called marine diesel oil (MDO), which is made specifically for marine vessels like cruise ships.

The primary fuel for most cruise ships is diesel, but not just any diesel. They use specialized versions crafted for the unique needs of maritime vessels. Modern cruise ships are equipped with multiple diesel generator sets to satisfy power demands. These generators supply both the hotel load and the generators supply the hotel load.

A growing number of cruise ships have switched their propellant from liquefied natural gas (LNG) to diesel fuel due to high LNG prices. Modern ships use either diesel-electric engines or gas turbines as a source of power for propulsion and for ship systems. Some larger cruise ships use gas turbines or diesel-electric engines for their power source for propulsion and also provide power for the ships’ systems.

Efficient hybrid diesel-electric engines are becoming more common in modern cruise ships. Freighters use direct-drive propellers, which are designed to go in one direction for long stretches at a time. Traditional cruise ships rely heavily on diesel (less than 0.1% sulfur) for their propulsion. The power system on board, including the ship’s power system, is also being upgraded to provide more environmentally friendly solutions.