| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 28/08/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 6 |
| Copyright: Other |
Alaska looks at action over cruiselines
ALASKA’S state government is considering legal action against seven cruiselines over alleged excessive smoke emissions from ships docked in Juneau this summer.Observers from the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation have reported violations by ships belonging to Carnival Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Holland America Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises and World Explorer Cruises.
The North West Cruise Ship Association, which represents major cruise operators in Alaska, claims that visual smoke readings are highly subjective. It said they depend on the background against which smoke is measured, the weather conditions and the time of day.
US environmental authorities are currently seeking to fine Princess $110,000 and NCL $55,000 over smoke emissions reported last year (Travel Weekly August 14).
Alaska’s smoke monitoring programme is being financed in part by funds from a $3.5 million fine being paid by Royal Caribbean to settle state water-pollution charges stemming from dumping incidents in 1994 and 1995.
The five-year programme started in Juneau and is expanding to other ports.