By
Rebecca Gibson |
Carnival is to trial advanced exhaust gas cleaning technology on 32 ships following approval from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the US Coast Guard (USCG) and Transport Canada.
Combining advanced scrubber technology and diesel particulate filters, the system removes sulphur and substantially reduces black carbon, enabling ships to sail in North America’s emission control areas (ECA). While the solution has been successfully installed in power plants, factories and vehicles, it is the first time it has been developed for restricted spaces on marine vessels.
As part of the US$180 million research and development project, Carnival will fit the systems to vessels across its Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Cunard Line brands between 2014 and 2016. The company is also considering the possibility of installing the technology on more than the initial 32 ships.
“This is a significant accomplishment as well as an important milestone for our company,” said Carnival CEO Arnold Donald. “Working together with the EPA, USCG and Transport Canada, we have developed a breakthrough solution for cleaner air that will set a new course in environmental protection for years to come.”
In addition to exceeding stricter air emission standards, the technology could help Carnival mitigate escalating fuel costs by making it exempt from using costly low-sulphur fuel in ECAs.
Carnival is now required to seek flag-state permits from the Bahamas, Panama, Bermuda and the Netherlands before the trial can start.