Holidaymaker’s priorities prompt a green sea of change

Cruise ship operators are beginning to respond to concerns from holiday makers about the impact of cruise liners on the environment. Some liners are known to discharge contaminated water at sea and environmental studies have shown that a typical one week voyage creates more than 50 tonnes of garbage, a million tonnes of grey (waste) water, 210,000 gallons of sewage and 35,000 tonnes of oil contaminated water - posing a threat to maritime life and human health. Julian Francis, MD of www.responsibletravel.com is reported in the Times (November 29th 2008) as saying “the cruise sector’s environmental record is poor. It has been slower than some to recognise its responsibilities but that is changing”. Francis has founded the Responsible Tourism Awards which has now been extended to cruise and ferry operators and aims to reward companies that take innovative steps to put responsible tourism at the core of their businesses. This year’s award went to Holland America Line which has 14 ships - their initiatives included focussing on advanced waste water treatment and strategies to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions - the line also strives to leave destinations in a pristine condition. They company has reduced fuel consumption by converting four of their ships so they can plug into the local hydro-electic grid when they dock in Seattle. The company is also evaluating a ’sea water scrubber’ to reduce sulphur dioxide and particulates from engine exhausts and adopting simple steps like leaving port earlier and sailing slower reduce fuel use and significantly cut CO2 emissions.  P&O Cruises is also working to reduce the environmental impact of its ships - with better water treatment and better waste recycling.