Modern ships use either diesel-electric engines or gas turbines as a source of power for propulsion, and for ship's systems. These transmissions determine the revolutions of propellers. Cruise ship engine power is supplied through the transmission to the propeller shafts. A large number of older ships use diesel reciprocating engines for generating power for propulsion. Without a source of power, these huge cruise vessels would be nothing more than drifting aimlessly hotels. In many ports, shorepower is in addition to LNG bunkering capabilities. World's largest seaports plus numerous smaller ports already have installed shoreside power capabilities providing shore-to-ship power supply to berthed vessels. Most newbuild passenger ships are LNG-powered. Each fuel option is based on vessel type and age, routes/itineraries and powerplant. If not using scrubbers (pollution control devices), owners of older vessels must use as ship fuels either MGO (marine gas oil), ECA Category Fuels (low sulfur MGO), new modified fuels and blends, LNG (liquefied natural gas) or electric/battery power. In 2020, IMO (International Maritime Organization) implements its global 0,5% sulfur cap on marine fuels. These are some of the most interesting cruise ship technology-related data and facts - engines, power, marine propulsion systems, fuel consumption of cruise ships, and something about pollution (in-article navigation links).
