Kiera Jefferson
Cruise ships have long been criticised for their negative environmental impact, with some vessels emitting more carbon dioxide annually than a small town. Cruise ships emit large amounts of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution, acid rain, and climate change. In addition, cruise ships generate different types of waste, such as sewage, wastewater, and solid waste, which can be dumped into the ocean, contaminating marine ecosystems. With the cruise industry's growth and ships becoming more opulent, concerns about their environmental impact have become more prominent.
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What You'll Learn
Cruise ships emit large amounts of sulfur oxides (SOx)
The Mediterranean region, particularly Italy and Spain, bears the brunt of cruise ship SOx pollution. Venice, Italy, serves as a notable example of the effectiveness of cruise ship regulations, as the city witnessed a significant decrease in SOx emissions after banning large cruise ships. The success in Venice demonstrates that tackling air pollution from cruise ships is possible, with electrification at ports being a suggested solution.
Cruise ships' SOx emissions are particularly harmful around ports, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and impacting public health. The impact of SOx emissions is further exacerbated by other pollutants released by cruise ships, such as nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, which have been found to affect cities like Marseille, where cruise ships emitted almost as much NOx as a quarter of the city's passenger cars.
While some cruise operators are investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a cleaner alternative, LNG-powered ships are not without their drawbacks, as they can produce methane (CH4) emissions, a potent greenhouse gas. Overall, the high levels of SOx emissions from cruise ships contribute significantly to air pollution and pose risks to both the environment and human well-being.
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Cruise ships release nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are one of the two main pollutants emitted by ships, the other being sulphur oxides (SOx). NOx is formed when fuels such as oil, gas, and coal are burned at very high temperatures. NOx emissions from cruise ships affect both the environment and human well-being, contributing to global warming and the greenhouse effect.
Cruise ships are estimated to account for 15% of the nitrogen oxide particles emitted by Europe's passenger vehicles. In Marseille, France, 57 cruise ships emitted in 2017 almost as much NOx as one-quarter of the city's 340,000 passenger cars. Similarly, in some coastal countries such as Norway, Denmark, Greece, Croatia, and Malta, a handful of cruise ships are responsible for more NOx than the majority of their domestic car fleet.
Shipping is responsible for 18-30% of the world's nitrogen oxides, and marine diesel engines are a significant contributor. To combat this, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented regulatory policies such as MARPOL Annex VI Regulation 13, which sets mandatory limitations on NOx emissions. Emission Control Areas (ECAs) have also been established, where MARPOL NOx emission standards apply.
To comply with these regulations and reduce NOx emissions, cruise ships can utilize Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Systems, which are considered the most efficient method. By mixing a reagent (SCR 40 – 40% Marine Urea Solution) with the exhaust gas, nitrogen oxides are converted into Nitrogen (N2), water, and Carbon Dioxide (CO2), reducing NOx emissions by up to 95%.
While some cruise operators are investing in liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a cleaner alternative, LNG-powered ships can produce methane (CH4) emissions, which is a potent greenhouse gas.
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Cruise ships have a negative impact on fragile habitats and wildlife
Cruise ships have a significant negative impact on fragile habitats and wildlife. Firstly, cruise ships emit large amounts of sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter, contributing to air pollution and acid rain. High levels of these pollutants can have detrimental effects on both the environment and human well-being, causing respiratory issues and exacerbating cardiovascular diseases. In 2022, Europe's 218 cruise ships emitted as much SOx as one billion cars, and cruise ships accounted for 15% of the NOx emitted by Europe's passenger vehicles.
Secondly, cruise ships are responsible for dumping sewage and wastewater into the ocean, which contaminates marine ecosystems. The US EPA estimates that a 3,000-person cruise ship generates 210,000 gallons of sewage per week, and in 2014, cruise ships dumped over one billion gallons of untreated sewage into the ocean. This waste can contain harmful substances, such as heavy metals, which are toxic to marine life.
Thirdly, cruise ships generate significant carbon emissions, with a higher carbon intensity than short-haul flights. The average cruise passenger emits 421.43 kilograms of CO2 daily, and cruise ships account for over 6% of black carbon emissions, despite comprising only 1% of the global fleet. This black carbon, a component of soot, can accelerate climate change, particularly in the Arctic region.
Finally, cruise ships produce a large amount of waste, including food waste, plastic bottles, and glass bottles. While some cruise lines implement recycling practices, these initiatives are not yet standard across the industry. Overall, the high energy consumption, emissions, and waste generation of cruise ships pose significant threats to fragile ecosystems and wildlife, underscoring the urgent need for stricter regulations and sustainable practices in the cruise industry.
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Cruise ships produce enormous amounts of waste
Cruise ships emit large amounts of sulfur oxides (SOx), contributing to air pollution and acid rain. In 2022, Europe's 218 cruise ships emitted as much SOx as 1 billion cars. Cruise ships also release nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere, impacting the environment and human well-being. For example, in Marseille, 57 cruise ships emitted in 2017 almost as much NOx as a quarter of the city's 340,000 passenger cars.
Cruise ships also generate different types of waste, such as wastewater from sinks, showers, and kitchens (grey water), as well as solid waste. The US EPA estimates that a 3,000-person cruise ship generates 210,000 gallons of sewage weekly. In 2014, cruise ships dumped more than 1 billion gallons of untreated sewage into the ocean.
Food waste is another concern. While some cruise ships finely chop and discard food waste at least 12 miles from shore, it is not standard practice for all cruise ships to do so. Human waste is also processed and treated before being discharged, but this is also not universal across the industry.
The cruise industry has been criticised for its environmental impact, and there have been calls for stricter regulations and the implementation of zero-emission port standards.
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Cruise ships emit more carbon dioxide than a small town
Cruise ships have gained a reputation for contributing to carbon emissions. While it is difficult to find the exact amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the cruise industry per year, cruise ships are estimated to emit 250 grams of CO2 per passenger per kilometre travelled. This is much more carbon-intensive than short-haul flights.
An individual on a cruise ship emits as much CO2 as someone who travels by plane and stays in a hotel. One person aboard a cruise ship emits 421.43 kilograms of CO2 daily. In comparison, the Norwegian Epic emitted 95,000 tonnes in 2023, as much as a town with 20,000 residents, making it Europe's most polluting cruise ship. Disney Cruise Line is the cruise company operating the worst-polluting ships, with the Disney Dream, the only Disney vessel in European waters last year, pumping out an average of 1,481 kg of carbon dioxide emissions per nautical mile on its journeys.
Cruise ships also emit large amounts of sulfur oxides (SOx), contributing to air pollution and acid rain. In 2022, Europe's 218 cruise ships emitted as much SOx as 1 billion cars. Cruise liners run by Carnival Corporation emitted nearly 10 times more SOx air pollution around European coasts than all of Europe's cars. Cruise ships are also responsible for nitrogen oxide emissions, which affect the environment and human well-being. Cruise ships accounted for 15% of the nitrogen oxide particles emitted by Europe's passenger vehicles.
Cruise ships generate different types of waste, such as wastewater from sinks, showers, and kitchens, as well as solid waste. The US EPA estimates that a 3,000-person cruise ship generates 210,000 gallons of sewage weekly. In 2014, cruise ships dumped more than 1 billion gallons of untreated sewage into the ocean. Cruise ships also have a negative impact on fragile habitats and wildlife, with pollution from ships affecting marine ecosystems and coastal communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Cruise ships produce a huge amount of pollution, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen and sulphur oxides, and other particulates. Cruise ships are becoming more popular, with around two million people from the UK travelling on one each year.
Cruise ships emit about 15% of the nitrogen oxides emitted by Europe's passenger car fleet in a year. An investigation by Channel 4 Dispatches found that the levels of pollution on some cruise ships' decks are worse than in the world's most polluted cities, with one cruise ship emitting as much particulate matter as a million cars in a day.
Planes are responsible for 2% of carbon emissions, which is far less than cruise ships. A two-week Caribbean cruise, including return flights to Barbados, has a carbon footprint more than double that of a two-week holiday in Barbados.
According to an analysis of European emissions data by Which?, Disney Cruise Line operates the worst polluting ships, with the Disney Dream pumping out an average of 1,481kg of carbon dioxide emissions per nautical mile. Norwegian Cruise Line was the second-worst polluter, with 10 ships travelling the continent, each emitting around 1,413kg of carbon dioxide.
Some modern cruise ships use LED lamps to reduce electricity consumption. Shore-side electricity can help cut in-port emissions, batteries can be used for shorter distances, and hydrogen technology can power even the biggest cruise ships.
