Through its award-winning Eco Smart Cruising practices, Norwegian Cruise Line is committed to environmentally conscious efforts and initiatives. “Across our fleet, we have implemented many of the most innovative environmental policies and technologies in the cruise industry,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer.
Norwegian’s Eco-Smart Cruising Initiatives
For more than four decades, Norwegian has committed to the protection of the oceans and most significantly through sustainable environmental practices, investments in technology and a commitment to exceed regulatory requirements.
Just in the past five years, Norwegian Cruise Line has:
Steadily decreased the proportion of solid waste handled aboard ship and steadily increased the volumes going to beneficial reuse and recycling programs.
Treated black and gray waste water to near drinking water standards, earning local government approval in states with some of the most rigorous discharge laws;
Taught 473.000 children and youth passengers (2-17) to become better stewards of the environment through the “Officer Snook” education programme, offered exclusively on board Norwegian’s ships;
Delivered more than 400.000 gallons of cooking oil onshore that has been converted to bio-fuel for use in motor vehicles, reducing petroleum consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; and
· Recently, has invested in the environmental future of its 100 hectare private island, Great Stirrup Cay, by installing new water production, wastewater treatment facilities and disposal, as well as implementing new recycling activities.
In addition to these recent initiatives, Norwegian has made significant investments in environmental protection technology, as well as on staff devoted to environmental protection. Each ship sails with a trained Environmental Officer (EO), a three-stripe, non-watch standing officer whose sole function aboard the ship is the implementation, training, oversight, and verification of shipboard environmental compliance. The EO also provides assistance to Norwegian’s Fleet Regulatory Compliance (FRC) Department in the development of environmental policies and procedures. All on board crew receive training on environmental procedures prior to assuming shipboard duties, as well as specialized environmental training appropriate to their individual job and responsibility.
Environmental Accolades
In September 2011, Norwegian Cruise Line received the World Travel Award in the category “Europe’s Sustainable Tourism” for its newest and most innovative ship Norwegian Epic.
The United States Coast Guard recently awarded Norwegian the 2010 Gold William M. Benkert Marine Environmental Protection Award in the foreign vessel category. This biennial award was created to recognize outstanding achievements in marine environmental protection that go beyond mere compliance with industrial and regulatory standards. This was the first time a major cruise line has been awarded the Gold Benkert award.
In addition to a certified Safety and Environmental Protection Policy and Procedures, Norwegian is accredited to the international ISO14001 standard for Environmental Management Systems. This achievement recognizes that the cruise line utilizes a core set of standards for an effective environmental management system that reduces our environmental impacts and increases our operating efficiency.
Norwegian’s vessels have received numerous awards and recognitions for the cruise line’s participation in environmental programs. In 2008 and 2009 the cruise line received the Venice Blue Flag award from the Venice Port Authority in recognition of lower sulphur fuel in the port. Norwegian ships have been honoured by the Port of San Francisco for programs that reduce air and water pollution. The Port of Seattle has issued certificates to several Norwegian vessels in recognition of their voluntary use of low-sulfur MGO fuel as part of the Port’s At-Berth Clean Fuels program, which launched in 2009. Last year, Norwegian received one of the first ever Gold Level Green Gateway Awards from the Port of Seattle, which recognizes the comprehensive environmental achievements of the Port’s cruise and containership operators. Norwegian has also participated in the Port of Los Angeles’ voluntary speed reduction program and has received recognition for 100 percent participation for three years straight.
