Following fines for dumping and breaching its probation terms, Carnival Corp has announced several initiatives to help improve its environmental footprint.
One initiative recently announced was that by the end of 2021, it will significantly eliminate its purchase and consumption of non-essential single-use plastics.
The effort to dramatically reduce single-use plastics across its nine global cruise line brands is part of an expansion of Operation Oceans Alive, the corporation’s programme to further its ongoing commitment to achieve and sustain environmental compliance and excellence, the group said.
Carnival Corp said that it and and its cruise line brands already have plans under way, including initiatives to reduce or eliminate plastic straws, cups, lids, and bags, among other single-use items. The brands are also working to potentially eliminate individual servings of select packaged food items and other single-use plastics or decorative items used in food and beverage service, as well as in staterooms.
The company said it is immediately focusing on reducing single-use plastic items not used for sanitary or public health-related purposes. As part of the company’s Health, Environment, Safety and Security (HESS) policy and to comply with national and international regulations governing cruise ship operations, there are some single-use plastic items that cannot be completely eliminated, including plastic trash can liners in common areas and sanitary gloves, among others.
“We recognise that to be a responsible global organisation, a good corporate citizen and the environmental leader our guests expect us to be, we need to continue to take proactive measures to ensure sustainability is ingrained in all aspects of our operation across our nine global cruise brands,” said Bill Burke, chief maritime officer for Carnival Corp. “Our Operation Oceans Alive platform and this initiative to dramatically reduce single-use plastics across our global fleet are just some of the ways we are committed to continuously enhancing our operations and focus on environmental compliance and excellence. Along with the support of our more than 120,000 dedicated employees, most of whom live and work at sea, we will do our part to preserve and protect the oceans, seas and destinations we visit around the world.”
“We know our guests share our commitment to protecting the world we live in, and we appreciate their support as we continue our ongoing efforts to be proactive stewards, ambassadors and guardians of our environment,” he added.
Underscoring Carnival Corp’s long-term goal to achieve and sustain environmental compliance and excellence, these efforts are part of the company’s expanding Operation Oceans Alive programme, which promotes a culture of transparency, learning and commitment across its global operations, the company emphasised. .
Introduced in January, 2018, Operation Oceans Alive is an internal effort to ensure all employees receive proper education, training and oversight, while continuing the company-wide commitment to protecting the oceans, seas and destinations in which it operates.
In the programme’s first year, the corporation continued to implement technology solutions for sustainability, accelerate environmental training efforts and improve communications to achieve a higher level of environmental awareness and a culture of environmental stewardship.
The initiative is now being expanded externally, as the platform for the corporation’s commitment to achieving and sustaining environmental compliance, excellence and leadership, and will continue to expand through an increase in funding, staffing and responsibility.
Operation Oceans Alive and the company’s plan to dramatically reduce single-use plastics are among a series of ongoing efforts designed to further strengthen the company’s commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, as outlined in its 2020 Sustainability Goals.
In 2018, the company announced it achieved its 25% carbon reduction goal three years ahead of schedule, and it is on track with its nine other 2020 sustainability targets for reducing its environmental footprint, while enhancing the health, safety and security of its guests and crew members, and ensuring sustainable business practices among its nine cruise line brands, business partners and suppliers.
In addition, a new chief compliance officer is to be appointed who will report directly to the CEO and the board. He or she will be tasked with keeping all nine of Carnival’s brands in line with regulations across multiple jurisdictions.
Carnival will also add a new board member with corporate compliance experience.
