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Re-activateEven the most ardent environmentalists have difficulty determining the most eco-friendly methods to travel. Now a free online instrument can help by determining which cruise ships leave the biggest carbon footprints.
ShippingEfficiency.org was constructed as a large database culled from public information. Though primarily designed for maritime professionals, it allows consumers to register at no charge as well.
As the site states: "Shippingefficiency.org enables anyone with access to the Internet to tell an efficient, low-emission ship from a less efficient one, for the first time." Once registered, a user can employ a simple search function to obtain A to G ratings for around 60,000 existing ships, including the largest cruise liners.
The site is a product of Carbon War Room, a non-profit organization founded by Richard Branson, the chairman of Virgin Atlantic Airways. Branson has long been involved in addressing the airline industry's carbon output, and now is focusing on the maritime industry as well.
The initiative's timing dovetails with a heightened awareness of cruise ship emissions. New regulations taking effect in North America over the coming years will attempt to curb such emissions, though major cruise lines are asserting that rates are likely to rise due to the cost of more expensive low-sulphur fuels.
As we noted here back in July, the U.S. and Canada designated Emission Control Areas along the coasts of both countries in 2009. These ECAs extend along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the Pacific Coast into sections of Alaska, and the eight main Hawaiian Islands. The initial regulations will be enforced starting in 2012, and will be strengthened in 2015.—William J. McGee
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