Royal Caribbean Group to open the world's first zero-energy cruise terminal

The New State-of-the-Art Facility in Texas is on Track to Achieve LEED Gold and be Completely Solar Powered

Royal Caribbean Group to open the world's first zero-energy cruise terminal
Photo: Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean Group’s new Galveston terminal, which is opening Nov. 9, will be the first cruise terminal to generate 100% of its needed energy through on-site solar panels. This makes the terminal, which will be used by the company’s Royal Caribbean International brand, the first LEED Zero Energy facility in the world.

Jason Liberty, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean Group, said:

“We are focused on innovating across all aspects of our company, especially in our work to advance sustainability in the communities we visit. We deeply value both the oceans we sail and the communities we visit and operate in, and the modern design and development features at our terminal in Galveston will work in service of both.”

The new cruise terminal at the Port of Galveston will be the first in Texas to achieve LEED Gold certification, an industry-leading certification expected to be received within the first two quarters of 2023.

The project prioritized using materials that produce less carbon based on energy used and the transportation process.

The Galveston terminal marks the cruise company’s fourth LEED certified facility and its first Gold certified. The previous projects include Terminal A at PortMiami; the Springfield, Oregon campus; and the Innovation Lab at Royal Caribbean Group’s corporate headquarters in Miami.

The $125 million, 161,334-square-foot Galveston Cruise Terminal significantly expands the company’s presence in the port, increasing the cruise line’s ability to accommodate up to 630,000 guests per year.