NGO: 2020 sulpur cap not enough for emissions reduction

The arrival of more and more cruise ships to the Isle of Man could bring a negative environmental impact in the region, said Pete Christian from NGO Friends of the Earth.

Focusing on the increased cruise traffic on the island, Mr Christian also voiced concerns about the upcoming tight regulations on sulphur limit, noting that they are not enough to support emissions reduction from shipping.

In particular, he said that, while land transport is moving steps towards reducing emissions, the cruise industry is heading the opposite way, by building bigger craft. For example, the upcoming sulphur limit of 2020, that foresees sulphur content reduction to 0,5%, is still less stricter than the equivalent Euro 6 standard for cars.

“With huge disparity between cruise lines over sewage treatment, water quality, air pollution and environmental policy transparency, no one could identify acceptable, sustainable cruise ships” he pointed out.