Regular dry docks are a part of every cruise ship’s working life. Whether it’s for routine maintenance or a massive refurbishment, each one is a meticulously planned operation that requires the coordination of an expansive workforce that must adhere to a demanding schedule and exacting budget. Inevitably, like any large facility overhaul, it ends up producing waste matter.
“There are multiple waste streams from many different departments,” explains Willie Traeger, interior design manager for asset management at Holland America Line. “Just some examples include cardboard packaging, bed and bath linens, engine parts, broken furniture, and carpets and carpet pads.”
Cruise lines and shipyards make significant efforts to ensure all the waste is disposed of correctly, but it can be difficult to see beyond finishing the task at hand.
“In this intense environment, it can be easy to overlook opportunities for more sustainable ways to handle waste – even with the best intentions,” says Emilie Posniak Hansen, an architect at ship design company OSK Design. “Once the skip is being filled, it is nearly impossible to track what is being sorted, saved, or simply thrown away. It raises an urgent question: what can we do to make reusing or repurposing products the default approach?”
OSK Design’s Emilie Posniak Hansen (left) and Holland America Line’s Willie Traeger are advocating for the passenger shipping industry to reduce waste when dry docking ships
Finding a way to establish sustainability as the default poses some challenges. As Hansen acknowledges, any changes to the existing system need to make economic sense in order to persuade major cruise lines to take a leap into the unknown. Investing in these initiatives is an expensive endeavour, and companies can be protective of any progress they make.
“Understandably, companies protect their sustainability breakthroughs because it gives them a competitive edge,” says Hansen. “But there must be ways to collaborate, particularly among stakeholders offering complementary products or services. For example, joint recycling initiatives or shared logistics could reduce waste and increase efficiency without threatening commercial interests. My Nguyen, director of interior design at Holland America and Seabourn, helped us recognise the opportunity for a more unified industry approach. Rather than isolated actions, think about the power of a shared roadmap to spark transformational progress in this area.”
Inspired by this realisation, Traeger and Hansen have joined forces to develop their own initiative to raise awareness of the many avenues for more sustainably handling waste generated in dry dock projects. Both felt inspired to advance progress in the industry.
“In my opinion, small changes can impact things greatly, which is really exciting, and doing nothing just isn’t an option for me,” says Traeger. “As a designer in this industry, I can help drive change. I can specify materials and products from companies that have a sustainability story embedded in their DNA, instead of those that are maybe only on trend. I can collaborate and help seek solutions for industry circularity efforts. I can think outside of the box to connect with like-minded people in and outside my organisation, to foster action where change is possible.”
The idea for OSK Design and Holland America Line’s exhibition was inspired by Yoko Ono’s interactive Wishing Tree sculptures (pictured)
Hansen points to the progress in other industries as an inspiration for evolution in the maritime sector.
“Many land-based industries are leading the way with circular design, waste-based materials and carbon reduction,” she says. “It’s a clear opening for the maritime sector to further engrain sustainability into how we design, operate and define value. At OSK, we have begun this journey by creating sustainable interiors and tools like energy calculators. But true progress requires collaboration. When Willie approached us about a joint waste project, it was a perfect chance to create real impact together.”
Working together, they have developed a concept for an exhibition at industry show Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe, which will take place in Hamburg, Germany, in December 2025. The exhibition will highlight the challenges facing the industry as it tackles its sustainability commitments, while also encouraging collaboration to help all stakeholders drive environmental improvements.
The exhibition will be centred around a gallery of photos from different dry dock projects. The photos do not identify the companies involved in each project but are instead intended to demonstrate the scale of the possibilities across the industry to further advance sustainability.
Next to this display will be a wishing tree, inspired by similar art installations across the world. The tree will emerge from a planter filled with shredded carpet and other refurbishment by-products, conveying a message of hope in the possibility of renewal. Visitors will be invited to write their aspirations for a sustainable future on notes, which will then be attached to the tree. As the exhibition progresses, the collection of aspirations will grow into a tangible display of the cruise industry’s shared hopes for the future.
“Asking our internal network about their wishes for the future allows us to continue driving the conversation and turn words it into action,” says Traeger. “This inspires movement, improves networking and enables collaboration among all of us.”
The concept has been met with “incredibly positive” support throughout the cruise industry, says Hansen. “Every organisation we have approached has met us with enthusiasm, ideas and generosity. This kind of collaboration reaffirms what we already know: we are part of a supportive, tight-knit community that truly wants to continue moving forward together.”
With the collective will of the industry, momentum will continue to grow, especially with increased focus on reducing barriers to progress. For example, the additional costs and lost revenue associated with more time or manpower needed during dry dock makes it difficult to more fully integrate sustainable waste management practices. Hansen therefore suggests that a real solution lies in things like taking a more holistic approach across a vessel’s lifecycle.
“When the Hong Kong Convention takes effect in June 2025, you will start to see some shifts, but there is much potential for even more,” she says. “For example, we may see contract clauses that assign recycling responsibilities, or third-party reuse and resale models, or even circular design frameworks where interiors are rented and maintained by the original suppliers throughout the vessel’s lifecycle. Each idea comes with its own challenges – logistics, costs and complexities – but the potential benefits make these conversations worth having.”
Both Hansen and Traeger are optimistic about the potential of the passenger shipping industry to lead by example, with initiatives such as their exhibition helping to pave the way to meaningful action. “On its own, a single initiative can only move the needle so far,” says Hansen. “That is why we are focused on building coalitions and creating momentum across the industry. Our goal is to raise awareness, foster dialogue and connect stakeholders in meaningful ways. Real progress will only happen if we align our goals, pool our knowledge and work collectively. The road ahead is filled with promise, and if we collaborate with purpose and courage, I believe we can take the giant leaps needed for a truly sustainable future.”
Traeger adds: “The more we can help spread awareness through these collaborative efforts, the better the chance that it will reach those who can help bring this mindset into action. Speaking from the heart and taking action, despite the possibility for mistakes, creates change.”
Wishing Tree
Famed for its short-lived beauty, the cherry blossom tree symbolises both fragility and renewal, making it a perfect centrepiece for both the front cover of this issue and OSK and Holland America Line’s joint exhibition highlighting the challenges of waste in the cruise industry. The tree will serve as a place for industry stakeholders to hang their wishes and ideas for creating a more sustainable future together.
Discover more insights like this in the 2025 issue of Cruise & Ferry Interiors. Don’t miss out – subscribe for FREE and get the next issue delivered straight to your inbox.