Canada rolls out new environmental measures for cruise ships

Canada rolls out new environmental measures for cruise ships
Canada rolls out new environmental measures for cruise ships
Avatar of Harry Johnson
Written by Harry Johnson

Cruise ships are an important part of Canada’s domestic tourism sector. As Canada welcomes cruise ships back to its waters, the Government of Canada, in coordination with industry, announces new environmental measures for cruise ships in Canadian waters that exceed international standards.

For the 2022 season, cruise operators will implement stricter environmental measures regarding greywater and blackwater. Greywater is defined as the drainage from sinks, laundry machines, bathtubs, shower-stalls, or dishwashers and blackwater is defined as the wastewater from bathroom and toilets.

The measures include:

  • Prohibiting the discharge of greywater and treated blackwater within three nautical miles from shore where geographically possible;
  • Treating greywater together with blackwater before it is discharged between three and twelve nautical miles from shore to the greatest extent possible;
  • Strengthening the treatment of blackwater between three and twelve nautical miles from shore using an approved treatment device; and
  • Reporting to Transport Canada compliance with these measures as they relate to discharges made within Canadian waters.

These measures will better protect Canada’s oceans and the marine environment and will support the work that is underway to conserve 25 percent of Canada’s oceans by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030.  

The Government of Canada plans to make these changes permanent through regulations, and appreciates the cruise ship industry’s willingness to pursue these measures in the interim.

Ahead of the 2022 cruise ship season, Transport Canada remains focused on keeping passengers and the environment safe, while also promoting tourism and growing the economy.

“Cruise ships are an important part of our economy and tourism sector, and as Canada prepares to welcome them back to our waters this month, we are committed to working with our industry partners to implement these new measures to ensure their return is safer and cleaner for our environment,” said the Honorable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport.

“The protection of our oceans and their ecosystems is a top priority for our government. With these new measures to address cruise ship pollution, this important part of our tourism sector can now chart a cleaner course through Canada’s spectacular coastal waters,” said the Honorable Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

About the author

Avatar of Harry Johnson

Harry Johnson

Harry Johnson has been the assignment editor for eTurboNews for mroe than 20 years. He lives in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is originally from Europe. He enjoys writing and covering the news.

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