North West CruiseShip Association member lines are at the forefront of environmental technology. Collectively, member lines have invested over $60 million on wastewater purification systems that treat water to standards higher than most land-based operations. Additionally, cruise lines have invested in cleaner burning fuels and gas turbine engines that reduce air pollution.
The practices NWCA member lines employ in Alaska now serve as a model for cruise ships in other jurisdictions, including British Columbia and Hawaii. Other initiatives include:
- A $4.5 million shore-power plug-in system in Juneau so ships can turn off their engines while in port and still have power.
- Smokeless, gas turbine engines that recycle exhaust gases and reduce pollution.
- Cleaner burning, low sulfur fuels that reduce smokestack emissions.
- Oil spill response equipment and training programs in Glacier Bay, Juneau, Ketchikan and Yakutat.
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