Cruise Industry’s Leadership In Environmental Performance

April 2, 2017 – 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.”