Let’s Get Technical
Cruise Industry Commits to Sustainable Practices
“G
rowth and sustainability go hand in hand,” said CLIA Global Chair Adam Goldstein in a keynote speech delivered at both The Economist’s 2019 World Ocean Summit in Abu Dhabi and in Berlin at ITB, the world’s leading travel trade show. In his remarks, Goldstein highlighted the importance of marrying growth opportunities with sustainability. “With opportunity comes responsibility,” said Goldstein, adding that “the water around and below us, the air above us, the communities around us, the people who work for us: all are critical factors when it comes to planning a sustainable growth strategy for the cruise industry.” Although the cruise sector only represents 2 percent of the overall travel industry, Goldstein said the industry needs to play a leadership role in sustainable tourism, 14 SECOND QUARTER 2019 | TRAVEL & CRUISE
outlining a three-pronged strategy based on leadership, stewardship and partnership. In terms of leadership, CLIA Cruise Lines were the first to commit to emissions targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) within the shipping industry. CLIA pledged to advance sus-
“WITH OPPORTUNITY COMES RESPONSIBILITY.” —ADAM GOLDSTEIN, VICE CHAIRMAN, ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES LTD. AND CLIA GLOBAL CHAIR
tainability on the seas and to reduce the rate of carbon emissions across the industry fleet by 40 percent by 2030. “Beyond the pure environmental concerns, the cruise sector is also leading the way on labor convention and being aggressive in gender diversity in the marine division of our ships—which accounts for 15 percent of the people working on the ships—up to and including women who are ship captains,” added Goldstein. For stewardship, the cruise sector’s sustainability practices include onboard wastewater and sulfur treatment plants, pioneering hull coatings, hull design and air lubrication systems, advanced waste management and recycling systems. Forging meaningful partnerships is a key step in the sustainability arena, and CLIA Cruise Lines are working with leading NGO’s, such as WWF and GSTC. CLIA
