The German Maritime LNG Platform has signed the Arctic Commitment, placing pressure on the IMO to bann Heavy Fuel Oils from the Arctic

By means of a background to this article, the Clean Arctic Alliance (CAA) is a proactive international coalition of non-governmental groups campaigning for an International Maritime Organization (IMO) ban on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) from all Arctic shipping activities. The German Maritime LNG Platform is an interest coalition of nearly 100 members and partners from the maritime sector both in Germany and abroad. Its objective is the establishment of a cleaner and more sustainable shipping sector through the use of LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) to substantially reduce pollutant emissions like SOx, NOx, CO2 and particulate matter (PM).


Off Radar learned recently that the German Maritime LNG Platform has now signed the Arctic Commitment, thereby joining a group of organizations, politicians, companies and certain Expedition Cruise Lines that all call for a ban on the use of heavy fuel oil (HFO) in Arctic shipping.

The German partner of the alliance is the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) and they in addition to CAA welcome this news. The belief is that changing to cleaner alternatives such as LNG, the shipping community has an opportunity to voluntarily show leadership towards a sustainable environmental future, noting that an IMO ban may be a reality down the line.

The IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee will meet in July 2017 an it’s widely believed that pressure will be placed on decisive action to clean up Arctic shipping.

Public claims that Cruise ship smoke can cause potential health risks

 

In the modern age of the Cruise Industry, ships need to cope with a number of challenges on various fronts from safety, security including piracy, sanitation, maintenance and of course the environment.

It will come as no surprise to Off Radar readers that Cruise ships, while sailing or docked, burn oil with a low volume of Sulphur. Nevertheless, in reality it does release smoke containing a poisonous form of Sulphur dioxide, all be it in small quantities considering the size of an average pot city.

Now it has come to our attention at Off Radar that since 2006, Sulphur dioxide emissions have been monitored in strategic location of James Bay by the University of Victoria geography department for the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, James Bay Neighbourhood Association and Vancouver Island Health Authority or VIHA for short!

These air-quality reports, which are also available on the Internet, offer interesting documented records of what has occurred in the past. They show that maximum tolerable limits of Sulphur dioxide within the air (recommended by World Health Organization) have been surpassed. This sometimes occurs when Cruise ships are in the act of docking or departing when more fumes are generated.

It now appears that the VIHA actually recommend people with asthma or other breathing issues in addition to the elderly and children should stay indoors when cruise ships are in port.

Currently it seems that few cities (exception Venice) around the world are complaining about this potential health issue to cruise ships. In fact, on the contrary the Tourism boards around the planet at Seatrade exhibitions in particular are doing their level best to attract cruise ships to their respective destinations.

While this issue may be “Off the Radar” for most port cities and Cruise Lines for the time being, the potential health risks of cruise ships is something that will likely come to the fore in the future.

There are a number of potential solutions to the plume problem however as follows:

• Strategically focus more on port away from the city.
• Anchor ships away from shore and tender in passengers for cities with a port close to the center.
• Offer electricity on the dock for the ships to use instead of burning oil to keep their electrical generators operational.
• Inform local residents of the docking and departure times, so that they can take alternative measures to protect themselves if there is genuine concern.

Whatever the outcome this is something to keep on our radar!

Majority of Cruise Lines are still polluting the environment today

According to a new report that graded Cruise Ships on sewage treatment, air pollution reduction and water quality compliance, it was found that only a minority is attempting to reduce their environmental footprint.

The majority of the largest Cruise Lines in the world are pumping more than 1 billion gallons of toxic material into the ocean. This includes incredibly harmful levels of treated sewage, feces, heavy metal, bacteria and other damaging pollutants.

These Cruise Lines rely on waste treatment technology that has been outdated for decades. Their reluctance to adopt environmentally-friendly measures goes beyond the obvious reason of alleged expenses; the fact remains that the entire industry is cowering behind weak regulations that do nothing to ensure the oceans remain as clean as in Cruise brochure photos.

While it's encouraging that a small number is taking steps to become eco-friendly, it's simply not enough. More measures must be taken to outfit old and new Ships with advanced technology to reduce the environmental footprint.

Just like the carbon-fiber Boeing 787 and Airbus A380 were received in a tremendously positive wave of public opinion, so will all Cruise Lines benefit if they make this a top priority.

Cruise Ships are hitting Whales far more frequently in recent times

According to a US Federal Agency a more frequent than usual rate of strikes is occurring along the Eastern US Seaboard for this time of year compared to previous years.

On the 4th of May 2014, a Cruise Ship bound for New York collided into and killed a whale. The vessel then dragged the poor whale into the Hudson River, which is seemingly just another incident.

In the past few weeks alone there were no les than 3 recent whale strikes. This includes one incident on the 7th of May 2014, where a Cruise Ship hit a “Sei” whale and never discovered this fatality until the vessel reached its destination port. In another incident, a “Sei” whale was found dead and attached to a container ship in a port near Philadelphia.

Environmentalists believe that the whales are most likely seeking food sources closer to shore. For example, a raised food supply was recently identified to be the main reason for a large increase in the volume of humpback whales off the coast of Massachusetts.

Here are some interesting facts according to the NOAA:

• 28 whale strikes in Northeastern waters between 2006 and 2010.
• Worldwide, a survey executed by the National Marine Fisheries Service (1975 – 2002) identified 292 records of confirmed or possible ship strikes to large whales.
• In the past the above translated to around 1 whale hit every couple of years according to a marine mammal rescue group on Long Island. Now it’s more like a couple every year. In 2014 there were 3 cases in the past few weeks alone.

The question is: Are there more Cruise Ships causing these incidents or perhaps more whales? If the coastal waters off Boston are anything to go by, large numbers of a fish called the “sea lance” have seemingly converted the mouth of Massachusetts Bay into a major feeding ground for whales. For example, 20 to 30 whales are sighted on every whale-watching excursion in the area, which is 10 times the usual number.

Certainly the current situation cannot continue and it will not be long before this environmentally sensitive matter will hit the mainstream media, which will become yet another “bad news story” for the Cruise Ship Industry.

Cruise Lines respond to Non Smokers demands for more Smoke Free zones

Throughout the EU and the US Smokers are being forced to enjoy their vice outside or within a Glass Box somewhere obscure. Until recently though, Smokers could seek relative refuge for their habit on board Cruise Ships, however this situation is changing fast.

Now MSC Cruises has confirmed its joining the bandwagon of Cruise Lines tightening rules related to Smoking and restricting the areas on board where Smoker can enjoy a Cigarette or something stronger.

The Italian styled (Swiss owned with Panama Flags) Cruise Line MSC is in effect expanding the smoke-free area on board the Divina. This initiative is being implemented to cater for North Americans Cruisers for itineraries operated in the Caribbean, which is the worlds most popular Cruise region.

The MSC Divina will implement the new anti Smoking rule when the vessel departs Venice on the second of November 2013 for Miami, which will become its new hub. The Smoking areas on board the 3,502 pax ship will be restricted to merely 2 zones as follows: 

1. Cigar Lounge
2. Port side of designated outside decks (situated away from all bars and food areas.

MSC did report however that Smoking maybe occasionally permitted at the Casino for playing Guests only during certain hours and at the discretion of the Casino Manager. No doubt they will gauge how it affects the gambling revenue first.

This news from MSC comes a after the following Cruise Lines confirmed a tightening of policies and less options for Smokers on board. 

• Seabourn Cruises Line
• Cunard Line
• Disney Cruises 
• Royal Caribbean who banned Smoking on balconies

Clearly the non Smokers are winning their battle to demand more Smoke Free zones on board, however there are still some Smoke flexible Cruise Lines that rely on the Smokers custom. 

Top 5 Newly Designed Ships with Zero Emissions

Many Shipping Companies are doing their utmost in order to find innovative, efficient and environment friendly technologies. All of these efforts aim to avoid the violation of the fuel emissions regulations and, of course, to minimize environmental damages.

Technology has made that possible for these shipping companies as they managed to importantly reduce all future fuel emissions.

According to www.marineinsight.com, "several Shipping Companies have gone a step ahead and designed ships which are 100% environment friendly with zero emissions."

This is, indeed, a very positive outcome and, probably, the beginning of a new era for the Maritime Industry.

Multiple green energy sources will be finally put in use for the optimization of energy efficiency.

Take a look at the newly designed Top 5 Zero Emission Ships!

1. E/S Orcelle

2. Super Eco Ship 2030

3. Container Feeder Vessel ZERO

4. Futureship Zero-Emission Ferry Concept

5. B9 Cargo Ships

Costa Concordia Salvage

Two years after the Costa Concordia flipped over the coast of Tuscany, engineers would attempt today to salvage the disastrous cruise ship, which lays half-sunk and crushed over the reef. The accident caused the death of 32 people out of  the 4.200 passengers on board while many others suffered severe injuries. 

Now the goal is to pull out the ship without causing any damage to the environmentally protected waters of Giglio Island.

What is considered to be the challenge and the difficult part of the engineers is towing it away in one piece, as a 115.000 ton vessel in its spot may damage the area. This historic process is going to be divided in two steps: parbucking and re-floating. The steps are said to be really difficult and risky, as the attempt has never been tested out in such a large vessel.

According to the Italian Government, this process is expected to take from at least 8 hours to 2 days! However, the process, scheduled to start earlier today, has been delayed due to weather difficulties.

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems Introduces Marine Hybrid System

Caterpillar Marine Power Systems has announced, through its most recent Press Release, the introduction of the Cat® Powered Marine Hybrid System, "a complete hybrid propulsion package applicable to all engine platforms." 

The package, developed with AKA electrical specialists, uses AKA's XeroPoint Hybrid marine propulsion system and provides fuel savings of up to 25% and even emissions reductions. 

According to a recent CARB study, there has been a 73% reduction in PM, 50% reduction in NOx and 26% reduction in CO2. 

Tom Frake, Caterpillar Marine and Petroleum Power Division vice president, noted the importance of environmental sustainability, which has become one of the top priorities of the organisation. 

The Cat Powered Marine Hybrid System is currently being utilized in the global tug and salvage market.

The Cat Marine Hybrid System aims to optimize the use of currently available components and operate diesel engines at peak efficiency meaning significant reductions in owning and operating costs, with decreased fuel consumption and maximized reliability. With the Cat hybrid system, vessels have the potential to increase operating efficiencies as well as meet or exceed increasingly stringent environmental requirements. 

Furthermore, the system can be customized based on customers' specifications and "can provide payback periods in less than 5 years in many instances."

About Caterpillar
For more than 85 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.

More information is available at: http://www.caterpillar.com/.

TUI Cruises Announces First Environmental Report

The company's very first Environmental Report includes its environmental objectives and strategy for the next five years. Anyone can get the report by going on the cruise line's website.

TUI aims to issue such reports every two years along with annual progress reports.

Based on the report, in 2012 TUI managed to reduce its fuel consumption by 3.7% per nautical mile expecting a further reduction of 5% this year.

The new Mein Schiff 3 is designed to feature an ideal energy management systems consuming 30% less energy than other cruise ships of similar dimensions.

The cruise line, which has also focused on reducing waste and recycling, in 2012 has seen an outstanding reduction of the amount of  waste per passenger (27.8%).

Additionally, TUI's two operating ships reduced their total water consumption by 7.6%.

MSC Preziosa to Receive 7 Golden Pearls for Best Environmental Standards

Bureau Veritas confirms MSC’s strong green credentials

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (March 20, 2013) - MSC Cruises today announced that its latest flagship, MSC Preziosa, which is set to debut on March 23rd in Genoa, has received the “7 Golden Pearls” award from Bureau Veritas, a global leader in environmental risk analysis and certification.

The “7 Golden Pearls” award is a reflection of MSC Cruises’ ongoing commitment to safeguarding the marine ecosystem, as well as protecting the health and safety of its passengers and staff. It is one of the highest awards given to cruise vessels in recognition of specific voluntary attention given to design, building and operation in line with the organization’s “Quality Health Safety Environment” (QHSE) standards.

With a strong track record in green efforts, the company’s energy efficiency matches the industry-leading eco-ship and clean ship credentials. Its green efforts have been recognized over the years with a string of environmental certifications, alongside awards praising its creative interior design, comfort, cuisine and friendly service.

The sections covered in the “7 Golden Pearls” award include a classification as “CLEANSHIP 2” for the three domains of potential air, water and waste pollution. It targets theAdvanced Waste Water Treatment, which is unique in the cruise industry and acknowledges that the ship is fitted with the means to prevent the release of pollutants or waste matter into the sea and air.

According to Philippe Donche-Gay, Executive Vice President and head of Bureau Veritas’ Marine & Offshore Division, “The ‘7 Golden Pearls’ award demonstrates MSC Cruises’ commitment to the environment, food safety and the overall health and safety of its workforce. MSC Cruises takes a holistic view of its responsibilities in all these areas and invests to go well beyond the basic requirements of regulation. It is a great pleasure to be able to verify and recognise these achievements, which set a new and higher integrated standard for the entire cruise industry.”

The award also:

• - validates that MSC Preziosa has been designed, built, operated and maintained to achieve appropriate protection for the environment.
• - covers annexes I, IV,V and VI of MARPOL (The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) as well as the very strict rules on waste and ballast water management, the anti-fouling system and pollution by ozone-depleting substances.
• - validates that the vessel is fully equipped with high incineration capacities, advanced water treatment systems, the newest oil water separators, and vast storage capacities for two days full operation at sea. 

Fleet wide, MSC Cruises vessels are certified as follows:

• ISO 14001- Certification of the highest standards of the Environmental Management System, requiring a complete coherent management system of all environmental aspects and impacts of all activities.
• OHSAS 18001 – Certification for the highest standards of the Safety Management System requiring complete management of health and safety of workers on board and in the company’s head office.
• ISO 22000 – Certification for the highest standards of Food Safety Management, ensuring complete and validated safety of all food processes, from farm to fork.
• And the newly acquired ‘pearl’ ISO 50001 – Certification for MSC Preziosa’s highest standards of Energy Performance, requiring an energy management system that follows a systematic approach in achieving continual improvement of the ship’s energy performance.

For more information about MSC Cruises, visit us online at www.msccruisesusa.com.

About MSC Cruises:

MSC Cruises is a privately-held, family-owned, Italian cruise line with a fleet of 12 ships: MSC Magnifica, MSC Splendida, MSC Fantasia, MSC Divina, MSC Poesia, MSC Orchestra,MSC Musica, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Armonia, MSC Opera, MSC Preziosa and MSC Lirica. The MSC Divina, a sister ship to MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, debuted in May 2012, with sister ship MSC Preziosa scheduled to debut in March 2013. The fleet cruises year-round in the Mediterranean and seasonally in Northern Europe, the Atlantic Ocean, theCaribbean, the French Antilles, South America, South and West Africa, The United Arab Emirates and the Red Sea. 

About Bureau Veritas

Bureau Veritas is a world leader in conformity assessment and certification services. Created in 1828, the Group has 58,000 employees in 940 offices and 340 laboratories located in 140 countries. Bureau Veritas helps its clients to improve their performance by offering services and innovative solutions in order to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility. Visit www.bureauveritas.com for corporate information and www.veristar.com for marine information.

Galapagos Small-Ship Cruise Operator, Ecoventura Empowers Island Youth To Assume Environmental Stewardship

Super article to relate to our youth to take a trip like this and view more of our environment and know what it means through Ecoventura and UNESCO World Heritage Site. . . 

Photo and Article from:  cybercruises.com

Ecoventura that operates an environmentally friendly fleet of small expedition yachts in the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, announces two programs empowering Galapagos’ youth to become future environmental stewards of their islands.

Through Ecology Project International, Ecoventura recently launched a new career shadowing program that thus far has allowed four students living in Galapagos to experience a week-long cruise on the MY Letty while observing and working alongside Ecoventura naturalist guides who served as mentors.

Ecoventura also sponsored 12 local students who experienced 50 hours of hands-on field study in July 2012.

“The impact these programs will have on the educational and professional skill development for these 16 local high school students this year is significant when considering the total population of the islands is just 24,000 residents. The goal is to motivate the students to assume leadership roles in dealing with the islands’ natural, social and economic resources,” said Doris Welsh, Ecoventura’s spokesperson.

Continue article at:  cybercruises.com

State Files Suit Against New EPA Fuel Standards

Back on July 17, 2012, Matthew Simon of KTUU.com/Channel 2 News reported on Alaska's filing a suit challenging the new EPA's fuel standard for cruise ships and the acceptance of it by the U.S. Government...

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Warning of higher shipping costs for Alaskans, the state has filed a suit challenging Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's acceptance of new Environmental Protection Agency fuel standards for cargo ships and cruise ships.

Attorney General Michael Geraghty says the revised EPA standards will require all cargo ships and cruise ships operating in Alaska to use hard-to-obtain, specially blended low-sulfur fuel beginning in August.

“There are reasonable and equally effective alternatives for the Secretary and the EPA to consider which would still protect the environment but dramatically reduce the severe impact these regulations will have on Alaskan jobs and families,” Geraghty said in a statement.

To continue this article, go to:  articles.ktuu.com

Below is an update to this article quoted from Cruise Industry News . . . 

The law suit filed by the State of Alaska against the EPA, the Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security, to exempt state waters from the ECA, is moving along. Next is a hearing by the U.S. District Court in Alaska on Sept. 29 on the State’s motion for a preliminary injunction, following the Sept. 21 filing of the State’s amended complaints.

Further court dates are set for Oct. 26 for the U.S. response to the seconded amended response and the preliminary injunction; Nov. 26 for the State’s reply; and Dec. 17 for the U.S. reply in support of its motion.

Sustainable cruise – going a little bit further

CRUISE GATEWAY Best Practice Tour Gothenburg

Doing enough to meet the legal requirements on environmental care is one thing – going further, on a voluntary basis, is quite another. This was the clear message at a recent Cruise Gateway North Sea Region event.

The port and city of Gothenburg provided a green agenda and green inspiration for members of Cruise Gateway, an EU-funded project.

The partners in Cruise Gateway joined a Best Practice Tour hosted by the City of Gothenburg, the Port of Gothenburg and Goteborg & Co., which included visits to ferry and cruise terminals at the port as well as other environmentally friendly facilities.

The Port of Gothenburg is a leader in terms of sustainability, setting the environmental pace in a number of initiatives; it has a range of quays equipped for cold ironing (onshore power supply) and more than 30% of all ships calling in the port use OSP.

Environmental considerations were an important part of recent terminal concession negotiations, and the port also offers reduced tariffs for ships using low-sulphur fuel. There are plans to build an LNG terminal at the port by 2015; and by that year, Gothenburg Port Authority will be a carbon-neutral company.

There were some important examples for the partners of Cruise Gateway, a project which is looking to promote and expand cruising in the North Sea Region but in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way.

The Best Practice Tour included visits to:

· The West Sweden Tourist Board, to hear about the board’s integrated quality scheme with its holistic sustainable approach for the whole nation;

· The energy-efficient Gothia Tower, a hotel, exhibition and conference facility now being extended, with the whole building to be certified in accordance with the international environmental standard, BREEAM;

· The ‘climate smart’ Gothenburg Landvetter Airport.

Among the speakers was Anders Carlberg, head of maritime strategy and marine development at Region Västra Götaland, who talked about sustainability and marine environmental issues in the region.

“The Best Practice Tour focused on inspiration for a sustainable destination and the port’s work on sustainability,” said Anna Cognell, representing City of Gothenburg on the Gothenburg Environmental Administration.

“The lessons we learned from the event will be taken forward in the Cruise Gateway project, tying in with further work on sustainability. Later in the project we will consider and bring together Best Practice examples and consider their application across the North Sea Region.

“These two days of visits and presentations looked at doing more than what the law requires. You can comply with the law – that is OK. But you can go ahead and do more, and the aim here was to demonstrate how that can work.”

Source:  cruisegateway.eu

The Finch Bay Eco Hotel Named South America's Leading Green Hotel 2012 at World Travel Awards

Those of you looking to go to South America for a cruise and venture a week before or after your cruise, think about going to Quito Ecuador.   There are some exciting hotels to visit and to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere that will allow you to melt your stress away.  Combining a  Galápagos  Island Cruise with time at The Finch Bay Eco Hotel is a great way to have a holiday.  The Finch Bay recently was awarded the World Travel Award and for good reason . . .  

September 20, 2012 (Quito, Ecuador) – Creating a “green hotel” on the isolated archipelago in the Pacific Ocean that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is nothing if not a challenge for everyone involved. It’s about taking an integral approach to crafting an establishment that is sustainable for the future while generating secure jobs and a healthy working environment for the present. With this concept in mind, the Finch Bay Eco Hotel has led the way in sustainable practices in Puerto Ayora, the main town on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galápagos. And now the hotel has gotten its due: Recognition as “South America’s Leading Green Hotel 2012” from the prestigious World Travel Awards – a.k.a., “The Oscars of the travel industry.”

“It has been a huge effort, drawing on our company’s strengths in logistics, training, service ethos and expedition experience. The team effort has always given us great satisfaction and today it has been recognized,” said Xavier Burbano de Lara, General Manager, upon receiving the honor at the World Travel Awards. 
“All the staff is honored to have won this award. It’s a reflection of the dedication and love which our hotel team shows every day and of our commitment to the people and unique ecosystem of the Galápagos Islands.”

The Finch Bay has always placed the environment and sustainability at the very heart of its operations, which, in the context of its location, is not just best practice, but a duty. Indeed, over the years the hotel has made an ever-firmer commitment to the islands by including a number of measures to lessen its environmental footprint and increase its positive contributions. Initiatives include:

• Making the Finch Bay the only hotel in the archipelago with a biological sewage treatment plant
• Introducing energy-saving measures such as solar panels, low-energy light bulbs, movement sensors, better room insulation and more efficient electrical appliances
• Classifying the hotel’s solid waste and sending all recycling to the port’s recycling center, which is financed in part by the Fundación Galápagos
• Using organic waste for composting to enrich the hotel’s organic vegetable, fruit and herb garden. Result? Less food brought in, reducing the hotel’s carbon footprint.

“Our guests are conscious of their impact here in the islands,” continued the General Manager, noting that guests are happy to take simple steps to reduce the environmental impact of the Finch Bay, such as using water bottles provided by the hotel, eschewing disposable plates, using towels for more than one day, turning off lights, and generally being part of the pervading green spirit. “That spirit also extends to staff, who are trained in sustainable issues, keep the beach and our surroundings clean, and apply best practices every day. They then take these practices home with them, creating a virtuous circle for the community.”



The Finch Bay recently embarked on a redesign of its garden spaces, with the planting of over 500 button mangroves to create an environment of peace and shade for people and wildlife alike. This effort helps to maintain the area’s ecosystem while also restoring and safeguarding nearby water sources. 



The Finch Bay is located in a privileged spot by a small sandy cove in Puerto Ayora. With 21 Garden View Rooms and 6 Ocean View Suites, swimming pool, restaurant, day tours to visitor sites on two yachts, activities on Santa Cruz, and all-inclusive packages, guests experience these remarkable islands at their own pace, mixing exploration with relaxation. It’s the Galápagos, the Finch Bay way.

Source: 

Contact:
Andrea Schnoor Communications/ASC
122 West 27th Street
10th floor
New York, NY 10001
(310) 878-4812 ph.
(815) 377-3573 fax
aschnoor@andreaschnoor.com
http://www.andreaschnoor.com

AIDA Cruises: Environmentally friendly power in the Hamburg harbor

Press Release

\

In 2013 with the first ship to AIDAsol the AIDA fleet at berth in Hamburg docks by a hybrid LNG barge, developed by Becker Marine Systems, supplied with electrical energy.

AIDA Cruises and Becker Marine Systems have teamed up with other partners, a pioneering project for an energy-saving and emission-reducing more power for cruise ships at berth in the Port of Hamburg.

"We continue today with the 3-liter vessels. The AIDA fleet is prepared for the use of shore power. With the use of hybrid LNG barge we have found another flexible solution that shows how art environmental technology can be used economically successful, "says Michael Ungerer, President of AIDA Cruises.

Becker Marine Systems will introduce the hybrid LNG barge the technology solution and AIDA Cruises, a leading cruise company in the field of environmental technology, the know-how provides in relation to the specific needs of cruise ships. The Schramm Group, operator of the first German LNG transshipment port is operator of the barge. 

If everything goes according to plan, could be as early as summer 2013 with AIDA sol the first cruise ship to world supplies at Grasbrook quay in the port of Hamburg City by LNG hybrid barge with current .

The concept

The energy is produced on the floating LNG hybrid Barge (a lighter) in CHP engines and generators using liquefied petroleum gas (LNG Liquefied Natural Gas). The so-generated electricity is flexible, as needed, fed into the grid of the cruise ship.

Clear benefit for humans and nature

The necessary for the operation of the cruise ship energy is no longer produced on board the ship but by diesel engines. By environmentally friendly liquid gas (LNG) Thanks to the energy production of liquefied natural gas (LNG) of the emissions and particulate emissions will be reduced again. Compared to conventional marine diesel with 0.1 percent sulfur content will in future while in port no sulfur oxides (SOx) longer produced. The emission of nitrogen oxides (NOx) is reduced by up to 80 percent of carbon dioxide emissions by 30 percent.

Times for lack of demand on the part of LNG hybrid Barge AIDA ships already have a land-based partner is in the same boat. The Hamburg utility E.ON Hanse plans heat to feed the energy produced in the onshore grid.

Source:  aida.de

Further information on the environmental commitment of AIDA Cruises, see annual sustainability report AIDA cares to www.aida.de / environment

Cruise ship lines, Alaska officials question new air pollution limits

A detailed article by Juliet Eilperin of the Washington Posts describes details of the situation in Alaska as emissions continues to an important issue. . .

WHITTIER, Alaska — The gleaming white Sapphire Princess docked in this deep-water port this month, unloading its passengers and taking on another 2,600 guests headed first to Glacier Bay and, eventually, Vancouver, B.C. Every day of that trip the cruise ship — whose Web site invites passengers to see Alaska’s “pristine landscapes” — will emit the same amount of sulfur dioxide as 13.1 million cars, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, and as much soot as 1.06 million cars.

But starting Aug. 1, the Sapphire Princess and every other large ship traveling within 200 miles of the coasts of the United States and Canada will have to burn cleaner fuel. But they have prompted a major counteroffensive from the cruise industry as well as several lawmakers, who argue that they will raise costs for vacationers and Alaskans who depend on ocean-going vessels for basic foodstuffs.

To read more details, go to:   washingtonpost.com

Alaska Challenges ECA

A Quoted from Cruise Industry News, the following information concerns the cruising impact in Alaska's economy by the ECA pushing through regulations that will be costly and difficult...

Claiming that the extension of the ECA (Emission Control Area) to Alaska is unlawful, the State of Alaska has filed suit against the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard, in order to prevent the ECA from being implemented in Alaska.

The first stage of the ECA is set to go into effect Aug. 1, 2012, with the second and stricter stage going into effect 2015, requiring low sulfur fuel up to 200 miles out from the U.S. and Canadian coastlines.

The suit claims that the extension of the ECA to Alaska was unlawful because two-thirds of the U.S. Senate did not consent to the extension as it said is required by the U.S. constitution.

Alaska said it has compelling economic and environmental interests in the management and regulation of marine vessel air emissions within its jurisdiction and areas extending 200 miles out. The suit said that increased regulations and restrictions will increase the cost of bringing goods to Alaska and will also harm the tourism industry.

The suit stated that the ECA’s low sulfur fuel requirements will increase shipping costs to Alaska by 8 percent, which will be passed on to consumers. Citing a cruise industry estimate, cruise passengers will have to pay $12 to $16 more per day, adding approximately $86 to $112 to the price of a seven-day cruise. Another estimate puts the cost higher at $15 to $18 per passenger day. Increased costs translate into decreased cruise ship visitors, according to the suit, which concludes that enforcement of the ECA will have a significant and harmful effect on Alaska’s citizens and economy.

To read the details of the complaint filed against the ECA and others involved, go to:  gov.alaska.gov

ECA Staring Down Canada/New England: The Search for a Solution

The proposed Emission Control Area (ECA) for North America will go into full effect on January 1, 2015, after a first stage that will go “live” on August 1, 2012.

The issue was a relevant topic during a dedicated ECA panel discussion at the 2012 Cruise Canada New England Symposium being held in Quebec City.

The rules, which require cruise lines to burn clean, more expensive fuel within 200 miles of the U.S. and Canadian coasts, have put a looming cloud over the Canada/New England region, with most itineraries sailed within that 200 mile range.

Greg Wirtz, president of North West and Canada Cruise Association described the ECA as a “serious issue facing the industry with enormous consequences.”

Cruise lines and industry groups continue to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which is behind the new rules, but so far, nothing has been announced in terms of a solution for the cruise lines despite various proposed plans.

Bud Darr, vice president of technical and regulatory affairs for the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), pointed to a map of the North American ECA, which he said had major inconsistencies, with missing ECA zones around Alaska, and U.S. territories.

“I can’t make sense of that,” said Darr, pointing to part of Alaska that is not covered by the ECA and sees heavy shipping trade from the Pacific Rim.

Darr noted that CLIA is trying to work with the current rule set, and not “destroy” it. He listed alternatives, such as exhaust gas scrubbers, alternative fuels and non-conventional propulsion, averaging or other operational means, and “other means not yet identified.”

To get more information and read more of this article, go to:   cruiseindustrynews.com

Venice Environmentalists ask Sophia Loren to Renounce Ship Reported by Reuters

Sophia Loren on Photo call for "Cars 2 (3D)"
In Rome, June 15, 2011
Credits: Reuters/Remo Casilli

Over the weekend an article was written asking Sophia Loren to renounce her Godmother role from the MSC Divina by Venice Environmentalists. . . the article by writer, Philip Pullella, found on Reuters from MILAN, Italy | Sat Jun 2, 2012 7:38pm EDT, states 

. . . "Environmentalists on Saturday urged film diva Sophia Loren to help stop a big cruise ship named in her honor from ever entering the Venice lagoon because of potential damage to the city and the lagoon's delicate ecosystem.

The MSC Divina (Divine), which the actress christened last month in France, is a 139,500-tonne ship that can carry 3,500 passengers and nearly 1,000 crew.

"We can't believe that you want your name, which is a legend in Italy and the world, to be associated with a ship that contributes to the destruction of Venice, part of humanity's heritage," said an open letter from the group, called the No Big Ships Venice Committee.

"We are asking you to give up your role as godmother of the ship. Venice and the world would see that as a divine gesture. Venice belongs to the world. Help us save it," the group said in the letter to the Italian screen legend.

To read the rest of the article, go to:   reuters.com

Disney Cruise Line Guests and Crew Members Team Up to Safe Chimpanzees

This week, guests on all four Disney Cruise Line ships for the first time took part in a “Walk for Wildlife” alongside crew members to help raise funds for the Jane Goodall Institute through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund. On behalf of hundreds of guests and crew members who turned out for the walks, Disney Cruise Line donated $5,000 to help support chimpanzee habitats, care for orphaned chimpanzees and support education.

What first began as a crew member event three years ago has grown into a unique opportunity for guests and crew members to connect with nature and each other, while raising awareness for a great cause. Nearly $30,000 has been given to environmental charities, as a result of company and personal crew member donations, since the program started. Those onboard the Disney ships walked on Disney’s private island, scenic Castaway Cay (on separate days), while more than 3,000 miles away, guests and crew members walked in the ocean breezes onboard the Disney Wonder.

Disney Cruise Line Guests and Crew Members ‘Walk for Wildlife’ and Raise Money to Help Protect Chimpanzees

Disney Cruise Line Guests and Crew Members ‘Walk for Wildlife’ and Raise Money to Help Protect Chimpanzees

Source:  disneyparks.disney.go.com