Cruise lines violate Alaska’s air and water quality standards
Four cruise lines face hefty fines after their ships were found to have caused excessive air pollution while sailing in Alaska during the summer.
Environmental officials issued Notices of Violation to Holland America Line, Princess Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian.
Four Holland Ameria Line ships violated Alaska’s air quality standards; the Eurodam, Westerdam, Amsterdam, and Nieuw Amsterdam.
Princess had two violations from Emerald Princess and Golden Princess. NCL had one with Norwegian Jewel, and Royal Caribbean had two, both with Radiance of the Seas.
Violations can result in fines of up to $46,192 for each ship.
Environmental officers visually monitor emissions at ports throughout Alaska using an ‘opacity’ test.
“Opacity is an indicator for overall air quality. So there are things that could be in the emissions. Things like nitrogen oxides or particulates. Things that can be breathed in and can potentially cause some health effects,” cruise ship monitoring programme manager Ed White told the Juneau Empire.
White said the level of fine is dependent on past history and whether measures have been taken to cut pollution.
“We base that on the compliance history of the ship or the reading or if the operator is taking corrective actions,” he said.
The number of notices issued was the highest since 2014.
Water quality citations were also issued to several ships for violations in Alaska this year, including Emerald Princess, Island Princess, Golden Princess, Ruby Princess and Star Princess. The Star Princess and the Emerald Princess violated the water standards twice.
Wastewater discharge violations were issued to HAL’s Eurodam, Noordam, and Voledam, as well as Seabourn Cruise Line’s Sojourn.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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