Firm releases 2018 report outlining its initiatives surrounding environmental protection and more
By
Elly Yates-Roberts |
Carnival Corporation has introduced new initiatives to move closer to achieving its 2020 environmental sustainability goals, according to a new 2018 report.
The full 2018 Sustainability from Ship to Shore report was developed in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative standard. Carnival is using the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals to develop a new set of goals for 2030 to improve environmental management, energy efficiency, health, safety and well-being objectives.
The report notes that the corporation achieved its 25% carbon reduction goal three years ahead of schedule in 2017 and decreased air emissions further in 2018. As part of this, its AIDA Cruises brand introduced AIDAnova, the world’s first cruise ship to be powered in port and at sea by LNG, in December 2018. This is the first in Carnival’s new class of ‘green’ cruise ships, of which 10 more are scheduled to enter service before 2025.
“We take our commitment to sustainability and the environment very seriously,” said Bill Burke, chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation. “We have 120,000 passionate employees in our organisation and it is a business imperative for each of us to protect and preserve the oceans we sail and the communities we visit, with a relentless focus on sustainability and the environment.
“Our goal is to make every place we visit better than it was before we went there. To help us meet that goal, we continue to increase our levels of investment in new initiatives, improved procedures, robust training and innovative systems.”
By the end of 2018, Carnival had equipped 74% of its fleet with advanced air quality systems and removed almost all remnants of sulphur from its ships’ engine exhaust emissions. Almost half of its fleet can now use shoreside electric power while docked to further decrease air emissions. The company also reduced its waste by 3.7% compared with 2016 and improved its water use by 4.8% compared with 2010.
Last year, Carnival introduced Operation Oceans Alive to ensure all employees receive ongoing environmental education. With its guests, crew and shoreside employees, the corporation celebrated World Oceans Day and presented Environmental Excellence Awards to honour the ships in its fleet that achieved the best environmental performance.