WASHINGTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In honor of Earth Day, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is
proud to highlight the recent and ongoing efforts of its member cruise
lines to protect and preserve the environment in which they operate.
“We believe it is our
responsibility to protect the environment in which we operate, and we
take great pride in the strides our industry has made to chart a
sustainable course for future generations.”
“In the 37 years since CLIA was established, our industry has made
significant progress in reducing our environmental impact by
implementing responsible practices and investing hundreds of millions of
dollars in new technologies that are having a tremendous impact today,”
said CLIA President and CEO Christine Duffy. “We believe it is our
responsibility to protect the environment in which we operate, and we
take great pride in the strides our industry has made to chart a
sustainable course for future generations.”
CLIA members have been at the forefront of wastewater treatment,
emissions reduction and developing innovative technologies to further
reduce the environmental impact of cruising. As more fuel efficient
ships have come into service, CLIA members have been systematically
reducing air emissions, including sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, carbon
dioxide and particulate matter. In the near future, international
regulations will further reduce sulfur limits, helping to reduce air
emissions across all oceans. To meet these standards, the industry has
been investing in new technologies that manage the use of energy more
effectively, such as testing the first ever cruise ship engine exhaust
gas scrubbers and developing engines that run more efficiently.
“Our industry has a vested interest in protecting the environment, not
only because it is the socially responsible thing to do – but because
the very nature of our product depends on a healthy natural environment
— clean oceans and beaches are essential to the cruise experience. CLIA
has made great strides to become a leader in the maritime industry with
responsible practices and innovations that are reducing environmental
impact,” Duffy said.
Cruise ships have adopted rigorous programs to tackle waste disposal in
an environmentally friendly manner, including doing all we can to
minimize the potential waste coming on board ships. We also take
extensive measures to recycle as much waste as possible by using
segregated on-board collection bins. CLIA lines recycle approximately
80,000 tons of solid waste annually, comprised largely of paper,
plastic, aluminum cans and glass. Other waste, such as hazardous waste
and oily bilge water receive special treatment as well.
A number of lines have invested heavily in the use of shore-based power,
allowing ship engines to be shut down while at port. A handful of ports
on the North American west coast are now equipped with the necessary,
and technically rather complex, facilities for ships to ‘plug-in’ when
they are in port. CLIA members are involved at the international
regulatory level to explore a universal approach toward shore power that
would overcome current obstacles, which involve the source of shore
power, the connection adapter itself, as well as electrical disparities
from one country to the next.
For CLIA members, environmental stewardship is an important initiative
for passengers and crew members alike. In an effort to raise awareness
among guests and promote conservation, a number of CLIA member lines
offer programs to specifically raise passenger awareness, including
behind the scenes videos, onboard activities, educational partnerships
in ports of call, and eco-friendly excursions. Along with these onboard
programs, member ships promote recycling and the importance of
conservation efforts.
CLIA member lines meet and often exceed all applicable environmental
regulations on a ship’s voyage. Each country, and often states and
localities, a ship visits may have its own rules and regulations and
therefore cruise lines and their environmental staff must ensure the
ship is compliant at all times. The Fleet of 2012 demonstrates the
industry’s continued commitment and dedication to the environment.
To learn more about Cruise Lines International Association and our
environmental initiatives, please visit: cruiseindustryfacts.com.
Take a look at several notable initiatives employed by the CLIA fleet:
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Several lines are in various stages of employing advanced wastewater
treatment systems (AWTS) that produce water cleaner than what is
discharged from most municipalities. In addition, members treat
wastewater much further offshore than current regulations require.
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Members of the Fleet of 2012 are utilizing highly efficient insulation
and heat reflective paint, which diminishes the need for chillers,
pumps and distribution piping, allowing one new ship to be constructed
with 25 percent less HVAC equipment.
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One member line has partnered with non-profit “Clean the World” to
recycle leftover toiletries, donating 388 pounds of soap and 1,203
bottles of shampoos and conditioners in 2010 for distribution to
people in need.
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One new ship’s public area is served with a clock system which is
pre-programmed so that during quiet hours, the lighting automatically
lowers to reduce the load and therefore reduces power demand.
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Halogen and incandescent light bulbs have either been replaced on many
lines or are being replaced with LED lights, which last 25 times
longer, use 80% less energy, and generate 50% less heat.
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A number of member lines use fabric bags – including laundry, dry
cleaning, and shoe shine bags – in lieu of plastic bags, thereby
reducing plastic from the waste stream.
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Many lines are using ecological, non-toxic, slick hull coatings that
save as much as 5% of fuel usage for propulsion.
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CLIA member lines recycle approximately 80,000 tons of garbage in a
given year including paper, plastic, aluminum cans and glass.
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Our lines work with suppliers to reduce the amount of packaging
materials coming onto the ships and require that in-cabin amenities be
packaged in recyclable materials. As part of this, one of our member
lines reduced the amount of waste landed ashore by 19 percent from the
previous year and 47 percent from 2007 levels.
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Various ships are installing high-efficiency appliances onboard their
ships in order to minimize their impact on the environment. Every type
of appliance onboard the ships is evaluated for efficiency, including
TV’s, coffee makers, ovens and dishwashers.
About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the
world’s largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the
interests of 26 member lines and participates in the regulatory and
policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe,
secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in
travel agent training, research, and marketing communications to promote
the value and desirability of cruise vacations with thousands of travel
agency and travel agent members across North America. For more
information about CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member lines and
travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org.
CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International
Association’s Facebook
and Twitter
fan pages.
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