Green methanol-fueled Disney Adventure makes first foray into the world

By Admin

24 Apr, 2025

The world of sustainable cruising has taken a giant leap forward as Disney Adventure, the cruise industry's first ship powered by green methanol, touched water for the first time. On April 19, 2025, the much-anticipated vessel was floated out of the Meyer Werft’s Wismar yard in Germany, marking a historic milestone for both Disney Cruise Line and environmentally conscious maritime innovation.

A Floating Marvel in the Making

At a staggering 208,000 gross tons, Disney Adventure is set to become one of the largest cruise ships ever built. With an overall length of 342 meters, a beam of 46.4 meters, and a draft of 9.5 meters, the ship will be able to host approximately 6,000 passengers in lavish comfort. Now that the vessel has officially left the construction hall, the next stage includes finishing touches and outfitting, paving the way for sea trials in the Baltic Sea later this summer.

A Clean Energy Trailblazer

What truly sets Disney Adventure apart is its fuel source—green methanol. As the first cruise ship in the world to run on this clean-burning alternative, it symbolizes a monumental shift toward sustainable cruising. Green methanol is derived from renewable resources and offers significant environmental benefits, including up to a 95% reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and up to 80% less nitrogen oxides (NOx), according to the Methanol Institute. This game-changing advancement sets a new precedent in the global cruise industry.

From Global Dream to Disney Reality

Originally known as Global Dream, the ship was first commissioned in 2016, with its keel laid in September 2018. The initial plans had it configured to accommodate over 9,000 passengers. However, following the bankruptcy of its previous owner, Disney Cruise Line acquired the incomplete vessel in November 2022 at a "favorable" price, providing the company with an opportunity to reshape its future with a sustainability-focused vision.

A New Home in Singapore

Announced in March 2023, Disney Adventure is slated to be homeported in Singapore for its first five years, beginning in 2025. This strategic move underscores Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to expanding its presence in Asia and offering magical experiences in the region, while leveraging a greener operational footprint.

Part of a Legacy of Innovation

Disney Cruise Line’s partnership with the Papenburg-based shipbuilder Meyer Werft continues to flourish. The German yard has been instrumental in constructing other Disney vessels, including Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Wish, Disney Destiny, and Disney Treasure. While this series primarily utilizes liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a cleaner energy source, Disney Adventure pushes the envelope further by being the line’s first methanol-powered ship.

From the laying of its keel to its transformation into an eco-friendly marvel, Disney Adventure represents more than a cruise ship—it’s a symbol of what the future of sustainable cruising can look like. With its sights set on Singapore and its spirit grounded in innovation, Disney Adventure is charting a bold new course for the cruise industry.