Earth Day Announcement: Carnival Corporation Reducing Environmental Impact

All 10 of Carnival Corp’s cruise line brands included in “greener” initiative.

Today is Earth Day and on an environmental note, Carnival Corporation announced it will meet their goal to reduce the rate of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipboard operations by 20 percent. This goal is part of Carnival’s ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact from its operations.

New technology for emission reduction includes the Gas Exhaust Cleaning approach commonly known as “scrubber” technology that removes pollutants from exhaust gases produced by a ship. Other “green” initiatives include an Advanced Waste Water Treatment systems and new power systems that connect the fleet to an onshore electrical grid while at port. Since 2011, fuel consumption has dropped 5 percent since 2007 and Carnival has increased waste recycling by 18 percent.

“Announcing that Carnival is well on its way to meeting this goal is a great way to celebrate Earth Day and all that it stands for,” said Jim Van Langen, vice president of management systems for Carnival Corporation. “In fact, Carnival has already reduced its emissions by more than 19 percent since 2005 and we are likely to exceed our goal of 20 percent by 2015. This speaks to our commitment to constantly look for ways to raise the bar on environmental leadership and performance.”

Carnival led the way with its industry-first effort to develop new exhaust gas cleaning technology to remove pollutants from the exhaust gases at any operating condition of a ship – at sea, during maneuvering and in port. Carnival is currently installing the systems in its fleet, representing a significant advancement in environmental technology and reduced air emissions.

In continuing environmental efforts, Carnival has made the following advances:

• Continues to voluntarily install Advanced Waste Water Treatment Systems, and work on research and development for potential installations on new and existing ships. Almost half of the company’s fleet (48 of 101 ships) has installed such systems.
• Installed vessel shore power systems – known as “cold ironing” – on 20 percent of the company’s fleet to connect to a port’s electrical grid, significantly reducing air emissions at ports that have shore power capabilities. In addition, several ships within Carnival’s fleet have partial plug-in installations which can be retrofitted to full installation if they are deployed on an itinerary where the port has infrastructure and capacity for shore power connection.
• In 2013, fuel consumption decreased by more than five percent since 2007.
• An 18 percent increase in non-hazardous waste recycled from ships from 2011 to 2012.
• One hundred percent of Carnival’s Operating Lines and ships are certified in accordance with ISO 14001, one of the world’s leading environmental management system certifications.

As an example of how this works, shown in the video, Carnival’s AIDA Cruises, will operate the world’s first cruise ships with the innovative Mitsubishi Air Lubrication Systems (MALS), which reduces drag and saves propulsion power. This system enables ships to glide on an air-bubble carpet, which is projected to save seven percent of the operating power.

Carnival Corporation is involved in a number of environmental initiatives around the world. Even Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is participating. Carnival UK along with the country’s Science and Technology Facilities Council will install an instrument on board Queen Mary 2 to monitor Sea Surface Temperature (SST). Back in the States, the University of Miami is working with Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America on a project with the International SeaKeepers Society.

Photos: Carnival Corporation