Marine
As LNG-powered cruise ships move from innovation to operational maturity, major dry-dock campaigns are becoming a defining moment in the lifecycle of these highly complex vessels. The recent dry-docking of Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras marks a new milestone in this evolution.
These landmark projects also included the first LNG cruise ship dry-docks, completed in 2024, establishing foundational practices for safety, system management, and lifecycle planning that continue to shape the industry today.
The Mardi Gras dry-dock required extensive advanced planning and close technical alignment between Carnival Cruise Line, the shipyard, and RINA’s global teams. LNG fuel systems introduce additional layers of complexity compared to conventional fuels, requiring detailed coordination for inspections, system modifications, safety reviews, and readiness for immediate return to service.
RINA is recognized as a pioneer of LNG propulsion in the cruise sector, having been selected as builder class for AIDAnova, the world’s first LNG-powered cruise ship, as well as for the entire Carnival Excel Class, including Mardi Gras.
We have been involved with Mardi Gras since its construction, enabling a highly coordinated approach to the LNG dry-dock and supporting safe and efficient execution under the tight timelines typical of cruise operations.
A key element of the project was early preparation. We conducted a comprehensive shipyard assessment approximately one year in advance, evaluating LNG readiness, safety procedures, infrastructure, and operational interfaces. This proactive approach proved instrumental in mitigating risks and ensuring the shipyard was fully prepared to manage LNG-related activities safely and efficiently during the dry-dock.
Lastly, we delivered specialized LNG training programs, coordinated with Luca Scala, CCL LNG Engineer, for both onboard personnel and shore-based teams. The training focused on system knowledge, operational interfaces, safety procedures, and dry-dock-specific risks, ensuring all stakeholders were fully prepared to manage the complexity of LNG operations.
“RINA has been involved in LNG cruise propulsion since the very beginning—from the first designs and newbuilds to bunkering operations and dry-docks,” said Michele Landro, Director Passenger Ships Segment (Americas) at RINA. “Mardi Gras represents the natural evolution of that journey: managing LNG systems not as a novelty, but as a mature technology requiring deep lifecycle expertise.”
The project leveraged our integrated global organisation, combining LNG expertise from Genoa, Marseille, and Miami, and drawing on experience developed across multiple LNG cruise ship projects worldwide.
According to Vincenzo Prinzi of Carnival Cruise Line, collaboration and preparation were central to the project’s success.
“The preparation process was extensive and allowed us to advance the project with diligence,” Prinzi said. “Strong communication with RINA was essential to reaching alignment on every aspect of the dry-dock. Their LNG expertise—particularly from the teams in Genoa, Marseille, and Miami—provided valuable guidance. Their support during system modifications and their assistance to the shipyard were especially important.”
According to Martina Gallus, SVP Technical Operations at Carnival Cruise Line, early planning and technical continuity were critical to the project’s success:
“LNG dry-docks require a different level of preparation compared to conventional fuel systems,” Gallus said. “Early technical alignment, training, and shipyard readiness are essential. RINA’s long-standing involvement with Mardi Gras and their deep LNG expertise supported a structured and well-prepared approach, helping us manage complexity while maintaining safety and operational reliability.”
Projects such as Mardi Gras demonstrate how early shipyard assessment, targeted training, technical continuity, and integrated classification and engineering support can significantly reduce complexity and enhance safety.
“LNG is no longer an emerging technology in cruise shipping—it is a mature solution entering its lifecycle phase,” Landro added.
“Our role is to help cruise operators manage that transition efficiently, safely, and with long-term asset performance in mind.”
With a track record spanning the first LNG cruise ships to today’s advanced LNG dry-dock campaigns, we continue to help shape best practices for the next generation of cruise vessel lifecycle management.
