Cruise industry and Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, the cruise industry renews its commitment to protect the environment in which it operates and the ports of call it visits. Each year, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) members innovate to employ policies and practices to further reduce their impact on the environment, often exceeding international regulatory requirements.

“Being environmentally conscious and proactive is not just a ‘need’ for the industry, it’s a deep desire that is fundamental to how we do business,” said Adam Goldstein, Chairman of CLIA. “Our passengers come to the sea for their vacations because of its beauty and we intend to do all that we can to keep the oceans pristine for generations to come. From the most stringent wastewater treatment policies in the global maritime community to continuous reductions in air emissions, CLIA Members work with regulators and various industry stakeholders to deliver on their commitment to the environment.”

Over the last year, CLIA Member cruise lines have continued to implement best environmental practices. Some examples include:

Recycling and Reusing:

Recycling 800,000 tons of paper, plastic, glass and aluminum
Utilizing heat exchangers using steam generated from engines to produce water for onboard use and to heat cabins – which conserves energy and helps the environment
Using recycled materials as often as practicable during ship construction
Enabling passengers and crew to participate in environmental stewardship and routinely contribute via recycling and environmental awareness efforts onboard
Air Emissions:

Utilizing exhaust gas scrubbers
Developing engines that run more efficiently
Using alternative fuel options when practical
Using shore-based power where available
Developing special hull coatings and variable ship speeds
Installing energy-saving LED lights, tinted windows, and higher efficiency appliances mean that new cruise ships can go farther with fewer emissions
Supporting the International Maritime Organization’s Energy Efficiency Design Index, which will require a 30% reduction in ships’ CO2 emissions by 2025

Waste Management:

Implementing procedures to help ensure that all passenger waste is disposed of properly
Annually verifying implementation of CLIA’s Waste Management policy, including zero discharge for untreated sewage
These policies and practices make the cruise industry regularly among the most environmentally friendly marine vessels in history. On Earth Day, and every day, the cruise lines work to keep the earth and its precious oceans clean and healthy.