Cruise ships, contrary to their image of leisure and luxury, are a source of significant environmental concern, particularly in terms of air and water pollution. A startling fact is that these majestic sea giants are a major source of air pollution, releasing massive amounts of sulphur oxide, particularly around European coasts. The scale of the pollution is such that these ships emit more sulphur oxide than all of the cars in Europe combined.
The root of this problem lies primarily in the fuel used by these vessels. High sulphur content in the heavy fuel oil used by cruise ships leads to the emission of sulphur dioxide when burned. This is not just a concern for environmentalists but also for health professionals. The reason being, the release of sulphur dioxide from cruise ships contributes significantly to acid rain and lung diseases.
However, the environmental footprint of the cruise industry isn’t limited to air pollution. Besides the significant contribution to air pollution, cruise ships also play a significant role in water pollution. They discharge untreated sewage, greywater, and oily bilge water into the ocean. This not only disrupts marine life but also poses a threat to the overall health of our oceans.
To curb this growing environmental issue, the International Maritime Organization is aiming to reduce the environmental impact of ships by implementing stricter regulations. Among the regulations set to be implemented, there is a notable ban on the use of heavy fuel oil in the Arctic. This move aims to protect the fragile Arctic ecosystem from the harmful emissions produced by these vessels.
The industry, on the other hand, isn’t entirely oblivious to the environmental concerns. Some cruise lines are making efforts to reduce their environmental impact by using new technologies and cleaner fuels. However, for a substantial change to occur, the overall industry needs to take greater action. It needs to move beyond individual efforts and adopt a more collective approach to significantly reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to the global efforts against climate change.
