Industry Initiatives

In ways large and small, our member cruise lines have taken a number of actions not required by law to help reduce their environmental footprint. The cruise lines have a variety of environmentally innovative programs in place that make a difference, from switching to low energy LED lights, using recycled hot water to heat passenger cabins, to using special window tinting that keep passageways cooler and utilize less air conditioning. We highlight just a few examples below:

Environmental stewardship videos for passengers. Many cruise lines have produced videos for their guests to watch to learn about how they can do their part while aboard. This can include information such as turning lights off and participating in towel reuse programs.

Rigorous recycling programs. The cruise line industry is wholly committed to reducing the amount of waste produced by passengers aboard ships and at ports of call as well as the waste generated through the course of operating the ships. Many lines have comprehensive programs and crew members who are specially trained and responsible for sorting, processing, storing, recycling, and the final disposal of garbage. These programs can also include special wastes such as chemicals including those from photo processing equipment, collected and disposed with licensed contractors ashore. Other recyclable items include: paper, glass, plastics, aluminum, scrap metal, fluorescent lamps, batteries, toner cartridges and cooking oil, among others.

Energy saving LED light bulbs. Halogen and incandescent light bulbs have either been replaced on many lines or are being replaced with LED and fluorescent lights, which last 25 times longer, use 80 percent less energy, and generate 50 percent less heat.

High-Efficiency Appliances. Many cruise lines 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 being evaluated for efficiency, including: TV’s, coffee makers, ovens and dishwashers.

One outstanding example is a new type of ice maker, which uses 65 percent less water than previous machines. By producing and pumping less water, more energy is saved. The machine infuses air into the ice cubes so the drinker gets the same feel, but there is less water in each cube. The machines themselves are higher efficiency in the way they freeze the ice, such as more conductive metals where the refrigerant contacts the water, and utilize more efficient compressors.

Ecological Hull Coatings. The industry is working with paint manufacturers to deploy innovative and environmentally safe coatings that increase the smoothness of ship hulls. By creating smoother hulls, we are reducing the amount of energy needed to travel through water. It is estimated that these smoother hull coatings will save as much as 5 percent of fuel usage for propulsion.

Window Tinting. Cruise lines have applied window tinting designed for the marine environment, which keep the ships cooler and reduces the load on air conditioning. This feature also protects our interiors and furnishings from sun damage and help cut back on corresponding aging and subsequent waste.

Propulsion and Hull Design. The industry has been working with engine and propeller manufacturers to develop a new approach to hull shapes and propulsion systems, which has resulted in significant energy savings. Bringing together optimal hull shape with advanced propeller systems helps to maximize efficiency.

The cruise line industry also works with NGOs, universities, regulators and scientists around the globe to continually improve our environmental practices. The industry and Conservation International have partnered to create the Ocean Conservation and Tourism Alliance, a collaborative effort to minimize the cruise industry’s environmental footprint and protect biodiversity. The alliance is focused on best practices for wastewater management, establishing destination partnerships and promoting environmental education for guests, crew and vendors.

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