Sustainability
Cruise Industry
|| ABOUT
The research, analysis, and recommendation effort focuses on the environmental impact of cruise ships is a significant concern to the transport industry and offers solutions that support the long-term sustainability of sea transport and the preservation of oceanic destinations.
role
Research Lead
client
date
category
Cruise Line
Feb - May 2022
Research, Strategy Development, Sustainability
|| PROBLEM
The cruise industry faces significant environmental challenges, including contributing 15-20% of port city emissions, water pollution, waste mismanagement, and regulatory compliance gaps under MARPOL frameworks.The environmental impact of cruise ships is a significant concern to the transport industry.
While cruise companies and international frameworks play a crucial role, there is a need for more complete regulations, improved sustainability technologies, and enhanced collaboration.
|| RESEARCH
I spearheaded the detailed evaluation of global cruise industry data, focusing on port cities, such as Barcelona and vulnerable ecosystems in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
This effort also included benchmarking leading cruise lines on emissions control and waste management innovations, analyzing historical data on emissions and the maritime travel sector, and performing a comparative analysis of maritime travel and other modes of transportation.
|| SOLUTION
The multi-week effort resulted in a recommendation report for select cruise line clients. Recommendations included adopting low-sulfur fuels to comply with IMO regulations, integrating onboard recycling systems for a projected 30% reduction in landfill waste, and implementing passenger education programs to promote sustainable tourism behaviors.
Incorporating the recommendations would result in to reducing carbon emissions by 20% and minimizing environmental damage in fragile ecosystems. The key recommendations align cruise lines with future global sustainability goals, reducing regulatory risks and enhancing brand reputations in the eco-tourism market.