The cruise industry is often criticized for its environmental impact, so it’s no surprise that a plume of white smoke coming from the stack of a cruise ship docked in port would raise some eyebrows.
In one Caribbean cruise destination, community concern over smoke coming from a Norwegian Cruise Line ship recently led the local government to investigate just how the ship’s emissions were affecting air quality.
Related: Caribbean cruise port pushes back on U.S. travel warning
Emissions from cruise ships at berth are strictly regulated in ports around the world to minimize air pollution. To cut emissions, a growing number of ports are now investing in shore power, which allows cruise ships to plug into the local electrical grid and shut down their diesel engines while at berth.
Although shore power is now available at some major cruise ports like Miami, it’s not yet available in many Caribbean cruise ports of call. This means local authorities in popular Caribbean cruise destinations need to remain especially vigilant on port emissions to protect their communities from harmful effects.
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Shore power arrived at PortMiami in 2024 to reduce emissions as cruise ships switch off engines and plug into shoreside electricity.
Image source: Daniel Kline/ComeCruiseWith.com
Norwegian Epic’s white smoke scrutinized in the British Virgin Islands
One of those frequently visited cruise destinations, the British Virgin Islands, recently proved that it takes its duty to protect local air quality seriously as it conducted an assessment of the smoke that was coming from Norwegian Epic while it was docked in Tortola’s Road Town cruise port on Feb. 26.
After receiving a request from the British Virgin Islands’ Ministry of Communications and Works, the local Environmental Health Division (EHD) carried out a comprehensive assessment of the white plume observed. The purpose of the assessment was to ensure that air quality was not being compromised by the ship’s emissions, according to a government press release.
Related: Royal Caribbean faces pushback on key port expansion
The EHD’s assessment took measurements for carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide. All readings were found to be within normal ranges, meaning it was determined that the smoke didn’t jeopardize the safety and well-being of passengers and the local community.
“The visible plume is primarily composed of water vapor, a byproduct of the ship’s Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), commonly referred to as scrubbers. This technology is designed to significantly reduce sulfur oxide emissions, ensuring compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards and MARPOL Annex VI,” the EHD report explained.
The EHD report noted that Norwegian Epic’s environmental officer fully cooperated with the assessment, providing the necessary documentation, including the EGCS emissions report and Certificate of Conformity, to confirm the vessel’s adherence to international environmental regulations.
Agency suggests Norwegian make changes to help improve port air quality
Although it was determined that the smoke did not threaten air quality, the EHD reported that it recommended to the environmental officer that the ship switch from using scrubbers to low-sulfur fuel while at berth in an effort to enhance air quality at the port.
The report stated that Norwegian Epic’s environmental officer was willing to consider this recommendation. Plans were discussed for the ship to switch to marine gas oil within one hour of berthing and revert back one hour prior to departure on future calls to Tortola.
Related: Caribbean cruise port could ban popular activity
“This proactive approach demonstrates the commitment of both the Norwegian Epic and local authorities to maintaining a clean and healthy environment for all,” the government press release said.
Along with Norwegian Epic, several other Norwegian cruise ships regularly visit Tortola, an island known for its white-sand beaches and lush mountain landscape. The destination is a port of call for Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, the Disney Treasure, as well as ships from Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and other cruise lines.
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