Taking Action for a Cleaner Future
Citing the significance of bolstering Canada’s environmental standards, the government declared today that cruise ship wastewater discharge regulations have transitioned from optional to obligatory. This long-overdue decision was made to adhere to and surpass the International Maritime Organization’s recognized guidelines. “Cruise tourism must remain economically viable while also committing to sustainability,” stated Omar Alghabra, Canada’s Minister of Transport—considering the industry injects over C$4 billion into the Canadian economy annually.
Protecting Delicate Ecosystems
Previously introduced in April 2022 as voluntary measures, the revised regulations are designed to regulate greywater and sewage discharges. Greywater often consists of harmful substances like detergents, cleaners, and cooking oil, while sewage can contain heavy metals and pharmaceuticals. Given that the cruise industry is in the midst of its peak season, these new regulations aim to minimize the pollution that results from ships traversing Canadian waters en route to Alaska and other destinations. Ultimately, the rules will apply to all Canadian waters, excluding the Arctic region.
Extending the Regulatory Reach
Among the updated regulations, the Canadian government seeks to prohibit the discharge of treated sewage and greywater within three nautical miles of the shore and has extended the regulations on wastewater treatments to twelve nautical miles offshore. Before these updates, the Arctic waterways already had strict laws in place. Cruise ships must now comply with these recent regulations while also facing routine inspections by Canadian officials. Non-compliant cruise ships could be subject to monetary penalties reaching up to C$250,000.
Navigating a Greener Industry
These fresh regulations stem from 2022’s voluntary modifications, initiated in part by environmental groups who capitalized on the cruising hiatus brought on by the pandemic. As a result, a brighter spotlight focuses on the industry’s wastewater practices, which were estimated to have unleashed over eight billion gallons during Alaska’s 2019 cruising season alone. While older vessels may be challenged by these stringent rules, newer cruise ships are being designed with cutting-edge wastewater treatment technology, demonstrating the industry’s gradual shift towards a more environmentally-conscious future.
