The Bellona Foundation and Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company with nine global cruise line brands, have signed an agreement of cooperation to work together to continue improving environmental and sustainability impact.

The newly formed cooperation is based on the two parties’ shared vision of an even more sustainable cruise industry in a future zero emission society.

The recently adopted International Maritime Organisation (IMO) strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, together with an increasing focus on continuing to improve the cruise industry’s environmental impact in local communities and destinations, will provide an important framework for joint cooperation. Setting an aspirational goal of zero emissions in port and during operations in pristine areas will help to force breakthrough approaches in technology and operations to reach that goal.

“Sustainable operations is a top priority for our business, and as the world’s largest cruise company, our global cruise line brands have taken and continue to take a leadership role for sustainable tourism,” said Michael Thamm, Group CEO, Costa Group & Carnival Asia for Carnival Corporation. “We are deeply committed to protecting the environment, and that includes the oceans and seas in which our vessels sail and the communities in which we operate. Working together with leading environmental NGOs such as The Bellona Foundation will help us to achieve our vision to provide our guests with extraordinary vacation experiences while meeting and often exceeding our environmental commitments.”

“We are grateful and highly motivated to be able to work together with a leading industry player like Carnival Corporation & plc,” said Frederic Hauge, founder of The Bellona Foundation. “Bellona is committed to meet and fight the climate challenges through identifying and implementing sustainable environmental solutions in close cooperation with the industry. Our cooperation with Carnival Corporation will enable us to increase our impact in developing and promoting sustainable solutions for the rapidly growing cruise sector as well as international shipping.”

The agreement's overall purpose is to contribute to and promote sustainable operations in the shipping industry. The arrangement will focus on solutions, regulations and legislation favoring the use of environmentally friendly vessels for the benefit of the environment, local destinations and the travellers. - TradeArabia News Service