Going GREEN

New technologies are ensuring that cruise travel respects the environment, says Nick Dalton

- Nick Dalton

Cruise ships are sailing into a bright new future. Blue skies are joined by a vivid green ethical outlook which is turning cruising into a holiday that isn’t a drain on the planet. As exploring the farthest reaches of our world by ship becomes more accessible, we can also be confident that environmental concerns are being taken seriously.

“The cruise industry has made unprecedented progress in implementing sustainable technologies and practices,” says Andy Harmer, director, UK and Ireland, of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “While cruise ships comprise far less than one per cent of the global maritime community, cruise lines are at the forefront in developing responsible tourism practices and innovative technologies.”

In the past, cruise ships have been seen as environmentally challenging due to old technology engines gulping down fossil fuels and belching smoke into the atmosphere. And wastewater and mountains of disposable plastic and glass have been commented on. But there are many new ships on the scene that are pushing the boundaries of green care and others are upgrading to take into account new regulations.

“CLIA cruise lines are making an industry-wide emissions commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent by 2030,” says Harmer. “They have invested more than $22 billion in ships with energy-efficient technologies and cleaner fuels. The entire shipping industry benefits from early adoption of these technologies, many of which did not exist five to 10 years ago, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel exhaust, gas cleaning systems (EGCS) and shoreside power.

“LNG has virtually zero sulphur emissions, resulting in a 95 to 100 per cent reduction in particulate emissions and 20 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. There are currently two LNG-powered ships in service and 26 on order.”