A new study released by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) provides the first-ever wide-ranging analysis by independent maritime environmental experts of the cruise industry’s environmental practices and performance.
The in-depth analysis found that with both air emissions and wastewater treatment practices, CLIA Cruise Line Members are leaders in the global commercial maritime sector in the development of innovative technologies to advance environmental stewardship. It also found that CLIA Cruise Line Members are leaders in the development of industry policies and best practices that further positive environmental performance.
The study illustrates that the overall environmental impact and performance of cruise ships are improving through continuous development of technology, alternative fuels and robust, mandatory industry environmental policies. The study also found that although cruise ships represent less than 1 percent of the global commercial maritime fleet, the industry’s actions have substantially contributed to the maritime community’s initiatives in environmental stewardship.
“I am proud of the performance of CLIA Cruise Line Members and their commitment to the protection of the environment. Safe-guarding and preserving the world’s precious natural resources is not only the right thing to do, but it is essential to the cruise experience for generations to come,” said Cindy D’Aoust, president and CEO, CLIA. “CLIA Cruise Line Members take environmental commitment very seriously, and this research provides not only the first-ever authoritative baseline of the cruise industry’s environmental performance, but it also provides a foundation for CLIA and our Cruise Line Members as we continually focus on improvement and measuring the outcomes of best practices and policies.”
Commissioned by CLIA, and prepared by Energy and Environmental Research Associates, LLC (EERA), the detailed study of various multiple research and data sources analyzed the practices and performance of the CLIA Cruise Line Members’ global fleet of nearly 300 ocean-going cruise ships as well as the industry’s investment in technological innovation aboard newly built ships in its growing fleet.
“Our technical analysis of the cruise industry’s leadership and performance in working to protect the environment found that CLIA’s ocean-going member cruise lines often go beyond the protective environmental measures required by regulation,” said James Corbett, a Professor with the University of Delaware School of Marine and Science Policy, and one of the authors of the study. “The cruise industry also demonstrates continued leadership in the development of responsible environmental policies and investment in technological innovations to further protect oceans and air.”
