Page 19: of Maritime Logistics Professional Magazine (Q1 2014)

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all three emissions, namely soot particles, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides, for the very fi rst time.” They add: “This compre- hensive fi lter concept is a milestone for

AIDA Cruises, but also for the cruise in- dustry as a whole.”

AIDA also points to the differences in its technology (borrowed from the pow- er generation and automotive spheres). “The system developed within the Car- nival Group for treating emissions relies on cutting-edge technology with an espe- cially compact design that is revolution- ary because it can technically accom- modate all relevant treatment processes.

Nitrogen oxides are chemically bound in a catalytic converter and soot and fuel residues are precipitated in a fi lter. The sulfur oxides are removed in a scrubber without any chemicals being added.”

Maritime Professional’s interview with

CLIA’s Darr also provided clues into another aspect of CLIA member com- panies’ thinking; namely, wash water ef- fl uent from scrubbers – something which has caused a great deal of practical con- cern. He stated that hybrid scrubbers, which provide for both open and closed loop operation, “have a great deal of ap- peal” to operators of vessels that might be operating near to shore (where a closed loop system might be essential) and then, the next week, operating far out on the ocean where effl uent discharge of sea- water (used to treat the vessel exhaust) is not problematic.Since the cruise lines are playing a major role in driving scrubber technology, Mr. Darr’s observations offer guidance well beyond the cruise sector, which has already shown itself to be an early adapter of scrubber technology. In doing so, and strictly in terms of a busi- ness strategy, the cruise industry appears to have embarked on a particular course that is designed to both meet and exceed regulatory requirements and preserve, if not fatten the bottom line at the same time. Imagine that: making money in the environmental game. Cruising beyond compliance, indeed.

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