Following the successful drydocking of Carnival Cruise Line’s Mardi Gras in Marseille, France, classification society RINA has underscored the transition of LNG propulsion from a maritime novelty to a mature, manageable technology.

As the class society for both the Mardi Gras and the AIDAnova—the pioneer of the Carnival Excel LNG class—RINA has been a primary stakeholder in the lifecycle of LNG-powered passenger ships, from initial design and bunkering to complex maintenance cycles.

A Mature Technology Landscape

Michele Landro, RINA’s Director of Passenger Ships Segment (Americas), noted that the Mardi Gras drydock represents a significant milestone in the industry’s green transition.

“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,” Landro stated.

Navigating Technical Complexity

While the technology has matured, LNG fuel systems introduce layers of complexity that conventional fuels do not. RINA emphasized that the drydock required nearly a year of advanced planning. This preparation involved a rigorous assessment of the shipyard’s infrastructure, safety protocols, and operational interfaces to ensure “LNG readiness.”

Key areas of focus during the drydock included:

• System Modifications: Highly specialized inspections and technical alignments.

• Safety Reviews: Rigorous oversight of gas-handling systems and safety interfaces.

• Readiness for Service: Ensuring immediate operational reliability upon departure from the yard.

Collaboration as a Safety Driver

The success of the project was attributed to a close technical “triangle” between Carnival Cruise Line, the shipyard, and RINA’s global technical teams. Martina Gallus, SVP of Technical Operations at Carnival Cruise Line, highlighted that this collaborative approach is essential for risk mitigation.

“LNG drydocks require a different level of preparation compared to conventional fuel systems,” Gallus explained. “RINA’s long-standing involvement with Mardi Gras and their deep LNG expertise supported a structured approach, helping us manage complexity while maintaining safety.”

As the global cruise fleet increasingly adopts alternative fuels, the Mardi Gras drydock serves as a blueprint for the industry, proving that with early technical alignment and specialized training, the maintenance of high-tech green vessels can be executed with the same reliability as traditional assets.

Source: RINA