US cruiseship giant Carnival Corp has struck a cooperation agreement with green NGO The Bellona Foundation on sustainable shipping.
The shipowner and the Oslo pressure group will work together on a "shared vision of an even more sustainable cruise industry in a future zero emission society," they said.
This will be against a background of the IMO's decision to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
"Setting an aspirational goal of zero emissions in port and during operations in pristine areas will help to force breakthrough approaches in technology and operations to reach that goal," the companies said.
They will focus on solutions, regulations and legislation for the use of environmentally friendly vessels.
“Sustainable operations is a top priority for our business, and as the world’s largest cruise company, our global cruise line brands have taken and continue to take a leadership role for sustainable tourism,” said Michael Thamm, group CEO, Costa Group & Carnival Asia.
“We are deeply committed to protecting the environment, and that includes the oceans and seas in which our vessels sail and the communities in which we operate. Working together with leading environmental NGOs such as The Bellona Foundation will help us to achieve our vision to provide our guests with extraordinary vacation experiences while meeting and often exceeding our environmental commitments.”
Frederic Hauge, founder of The Bellona Foundation, added: “We are grateful and highly motivated to be able to work together with a leading industry player like Carnival Corporation.
"Bellona is committed to meet and fight the climate challenges through identifying and implementing sustainable environmental solutions in close cooperation with the industry.
"Our cooperation with Carnival Corporation will enable us to increase our impact in developing and promoting sustainable solutions for the rapidly growing cruise sector as well as international shipping.”
