Cruise Lines International Association Statement in Response to Friends of the Earth “Report Card”

FORT LAUDERDALE, September 16, 2009 – The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), released the following statement in response to the release of a “report” by the campaign group, “Friends of the Earth:”

“The so-called ‘Report Card' released by Friends of the Earth is not based on science, law or the facts, but rather FOE's own arbitrary and flawed criteria.It reveals more about FOE's own agenda than it does the environmental practices of CLIA member cruise lines.Above all, the grades in the report card clearly ignore the fact that our cruise lines comply with and in most cases exceed all applicable environmental regulations set by the Federal government and other regulatory bodies around the world.Fortunately Friends of the Earth has no authority in the matter.Regulatory compliance is not based on meeting Friends of the Earth's biased, unscientific interpretation of what the rules should be.

“For instance:

  • While some ships in the CLIA fleet are fitted to plug-in to shore power, this technology is only available at five berths in North America.Therefore to fail a ship for not using port-side technology that is not even available is emblematic of FOE's tactics and further discredits this so-called report card.
  • While many vessels in CLIA's oceangoing fleet are equipped with Advanced Wastewater Purification Systems (AWPS - which produces and effluent cleaner than most municipalities) those ships that do not have this new technology use federally required sewage treatment systems in accordance with industry practices and procedures.The wastewater effluent meets national clean water standards.


“FOE's attack purposely omits many key facts that discredit its report: 

  • Any blackwater discharged in U.S. waters by CLIA's oceangoing fleet is treated by an AWPS.
  • While international law states ships may discharge untreated blackwater at 12 nautical miles from shore while traveling at speed, beyond U.S. waters, and anywhere else our ships sail, in accordance with CLIA's Waste Management Practices and Procedures, member cruise lines treat all blackwater through a Type II Marine Sanitation Device (approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for all vessels in U.S. ports) or an AWPS.
  • The water pollution standards Friends of the Earth used to grade “Water Quality Compliance” are not standards at all.They are future wastewater targets in Alaska not yet in effect.In fact, these targets have been postponed until 2015.
  • With respect to Alaska, a December 2008 EPA report commended the industry for its solid waste management practices, which surpass the practices of most municipalities in the United States.
  • Air emissions are regulated at the international, federal, and state levels. CLIA ships in operation are issued an International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate attesting to the fact that they meet the standards. 
  • The cruise industry's emissions of carbon dioxide and other air emissions, on a per passenger basis, have been significantly and continue to be reduced in recent years. This has been the result of more fuel efficient ships coming into service and new technologies and energy management programs that reduce emissions.


“It is regrettable that Friends of the Earth authors such misinformation when in fact this industry has made tremendous progress in the past several years in advancing technology and developing programs that go a long way in protecting the environment.”

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About CLIA
The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 24 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,000 travel agencies. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org.