PR Newswire
WASHINGTON, April 22, 2014
WASHINGTON, April 22, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In commemoration of Earth Day, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today highlighted the extensive efforts of the cruise industry and CLIA member lines to preserve and protect the environment.
"CLIA member cruise lines continue to invest in systems and technologies that improve overall environmental performance," said Christine Duffy, president and CEO of CLIA. "The industry takes its responsibility as caretakers of the environment seriously. We work collaboratively with regulators, design and engineering experts and a range of stakeholders to raise the bar on our ongoing efforts to preserve and protect the oceans and the nearly 600 ports our member cruise lines visit."
Working with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the global maritime regulatory bodies with 170 Member States including the United States, CLIA and its member lines have helped shape the development of consistent, stringent and uniform international standards governing environmental practices that apply to all CLIA member ships that travel internationally.
Following are examples of steps that cruise lines have taken to protect the environment:
The cruise industry works collaboratively with the IMO through participation in a number of committees and other bodies to develop global regulations and standards that protect the environment. For example, thanks to this collaboration, new cruise ships that enter into service today are among the most environmentally-friendly. Additionally, beginning in September 2015, new cruise ships must meet certain energy efficiency standards in compliance with the IMO's Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) — which the cruise industry supports — that provides for more energy-efficient and therefore less polluting equipment and engines. The EEDI requires a 30 % reduction in CO2 levels over time.
For CLIA members, environmental stewardship also involves the participation of passengers and crew members. Many CLIA member lines offer programs to raise awareness including stateroom videos, onboard activities and the promotion of recycling and conservation efforts.
Additional initiatives, programs and practices in place at CLIA member lines include the following examples of environmental accomplishments:
The cruise industry is highlighting how its member lines are safeguarding the oceans and the environment through the recently launched 'Cruise Forward' industry-wide communications initiative. Specific examples of how cruise lines across the globe are actively working to reduce the overall environmental impact of cruising and preserve and protect pristine oceans, beaches and ports can be found online at www.cruiseforward.org.
About CLIA
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA represents the interests of cruise lines and travel agents before regulatory and legislative policy makers. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise holiday vacations with thousands of travel agency and travel agent members. CLIA's Associate Member and Executive Partner program includes the industry's leading providers of supplies and services that help cruise lines provide a safe, environmentally-friendly and enjoyable holiday vacation experience for millions of passengers every year. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on the Cruise Lines International Association's Facebook and Twitter fan pages, and CEO Christine Duffy can be followed @CLIACEO and cruising.org/ceoblog.
SOURCE Cruise Lines International Association