Développement durable
The cruise industry’s shift toward a sustainable economy: becoming carbon neutral by 2050
Decarbonizing maritime transport is a priority for the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which includes the cruise industry. The IMO’s current goal is to reduce maritime transport carbon intensity by 40% by 2030 as compared with 2008.
New regulations require planning for sustainability in itineraries. The Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) henceforth forms an integral part of itinerary planning.
Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), which represents 95% of the international cruise lines, has committed to reduce its CO2 emissions by 40% by 2030, with a further objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.
Dock electrification
One of the most effective ways to reduce a docked ship’s harm to the environment is to connect it to the electrical grid. This eliminates as much as 90% of their fuel emissions during their stay at the port.
Cruise lines used the pandemic-induced lull to equip ships with dockside electrification equipment, achieving in two years what would otherwise have taken fifteen.
According to the CLIA, 40% of cruise ships are now equipped to draw on the electrical grid at dock. This figure should reach 66% by 2027, achieving totality by 2035.
Dockside electrification is part of the Port of Québec’s initiative for intelligent cruise development. For more information, click here.
Treating grey and waste water: new regulations
Cruise ships are required to implement new environmental measures such as:
- Prohibiting the dumping of grey and waste water less than three nautical miles from the shoreline when geographically possible
- Treating grey and waste water at the same time before dumping it between three and twelve nautical miles from the shoreline to the full possible extent
- Strengthening the waste water treatment process between three and twelve nautical miles from shore using an approved treatment device