Maritime101 - page 10

Smart Cruising for Sustainability
Holland America Line is deeply committed to being a
good steward of the environment and protecting our
oceans. Let’s take a look at programs and innovative
technology that is being used to contribute programs
to environment initiatives, including shore power,
wastewater treatment, water conservation, energy
conservation and converting seawater to fresh water.
Advanced Wastewater Treatment
On many ships, Advanced Wastewater Treatment
Systems treat black water and gray water to produce
an effluent that exceeds international regulations
for cleanliness. Gray water is wastewater from cabin
sinks and showers, laundry facilities, galleys and
salons. It represents the largest volume of wastewater
generated on cruise ships. Black water is waste from
toilets and medical facility sinks. Many cruise ships
today are equipped with advanced wastewater
purification systems that treat black water. These
systems are more advanced than many typical
municipality sewage treatment plants.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Approximately seven kilograms of waste per person
per day is collected on a cruise ship. By employing
best practices, Holland America Line can minimize,
manage and recycle more than two-thirds of this
waste. Best practices include recycling paper,
glass, cardboard, metal, light bulbs, batteries and
other materials. Holland America Line takes an
aggressive approach to ordering the right quantities
when purchasing products for use on vessels and
minimizes the use of packaging, especially plastics.
Bulk dispensers for individual condiments and food
items, as well as bathroom toiletries, further reduce
packaging.
Water Conservation
Best practices in water conservation include using
low-flow toilets and showers, using condensation
water for deck washing, encouraging guests to reuse
towels and using non-toxic detergents in laundries.
Ships convert seawater to produce most of the fresh
water they need. This water is used for bathing,
washing, laundry and even cooking. Approximately
30 percent of fresh water used on board Holland
America Line ships is produced from converted
seawater.
Energy Conservation
Responsible energy management is an important
component of our sustainability strategy — it’s one of
the most powerful levers we have to reduce our
environmental footprint. Every year, new technology
and programs have been implemented to decrease
the demand for fossil fuels. These programs include
replacing lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting,
installing new software to better manage operation
of heating and cooling systems, and installing hull
coverings to reduce fuel consumption while sailing.
In addition, it means regular communication to
encourage guests to join in efforts by turning off
lights and electronics and remembering to close
exterior doors.
Shore Power
Holland America leads lead the maritime industry in
investing in technology to reduce engine emissions
while a ship is at berth. Six of their 13 ships now use
local shore power instead of burning shipboard fuels
at the ports of Seattle, San Diego, Halifax and
Port Metro Vancouver.
Other Environmental Contributions
The premium line implements other programs
and educational efforts that contribute to various
environmental initiatives. For example, as part of
the “Our Marvelous Oceans” partnership with
Puget Sound-based Marine Conservation Institute,
Holland America Line educates guests and crew
about marine conservation issues and sensitive
marine protected areas. Holland America Line
also continues to work with the Marine Conservation
Institute to provide sustainable seafood options
for its guests.
In addition to emphasizing environmental
stewardship, Holland America Line supports
many local non-profit organizations through cash
sponsorships, donations, charitable luncheons aboard
its ships and employee volunteerism. The company
makes donations to charities around the world. It also
supports nonprofits through activities like fundraising
efforts for United Way, donations for Seattle
Children’s Hospital through Seattle Mariners “K’s for
Kids” program, and worldwide disaster relief through
contributions and delivery of supplies. Aboard its
ships, guests are invited to participate in “On Deck
for a Cause,” a 5k walk that has raised more
than $4.5 million since 2006 for international
cancer research and treatment programs. They are
committed to making a difference in the communities
where we live, work and sail.
For more information visit
HollandAmerica.com
.
MARITIME 101:
WASHINGTON MARITIME MATTERS
Photo courtesy of Don Wilson, Port of Seattle.
Photo courtesy of Holland America.
2013 DISTRIBUTION OF WASTEWATER
IN METRIC TONNES TO SEA
Gray Water
Bilge Water
Untreated Black Water
Biomass/Sewage Sludge
Permeate/
Treated Black Water
1,534,655
1,303,976
132,721
3,245
36,869
10
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 2016 |
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