RINA Sets New Green Standards

Italian classification society RINA — under the gun of late due to its role in the Erika oil spill disaster — has launched Green Star, a new environmental standard for shipping, and the 82,000 gt Costa Atlantica, due for delivery from Kvaerner Masa yard at the end of June, will be the first ship to meet the green standard. "Passengers want to visit environmentally sensitive areas, but they don't want to damage them," says Franco Porcellacchia, international marine manager of RINA. "The Green Star standard is visible proof that their ship is designed and operated to protect the environment, and keep the sea and air clean." The Green Star logo has been awarded to the Costa Atlantica as evidence that the ship meets the requirements of two voluntary RINA class notations, CLEAN SEA and CLEAN AIR. Carnival Corporation has already applied for the first of three sister ships building at Kvaerner Masa, the Carnival Spirit, to be certified to the new standard.

A leading feature of the CLEAN SEA notation is that bunker tanks must be installed over double bottoms, to prevent accidental discharge of oil in a low speed accident. Ships must also be fitted with holding tanks for all black and gray water waste, to prevent organic pollution, and must meet the standards set down in the voluntary IMO MARPOL Annex IV. Special requirements ensure garbage is disposed of safely, and ships must not use TBT-based anti-foulings.

The CLEAN AIR notation sets limits on SOx and NOx emissions from the engines, and requires compliance with the voluntary standards of Annex VI to Marpol. There is a three percent limit on sulfur content in fuel that can be burnt.

RINA also sets requirements for refrigeration gases and their containment in the case of an accident, and sets controls for incineration plants. "Costa Crociere and Carnival Corporation know that these new ships meet the requirements of Annex IV and VI to Marpol now," says Porcellacchia. "They don't face expensive retrofits, and they can plan itineraries to areas where any form of waste disposal is prohibited. We believe these standards offer shipowners and their clients the best possible protection for the environment, combined with a practical approach to dealing with wastes and the energy needs of a passenger ship." RINA is currently overseeing the construction of four ultra-large cruise ships for Carnival Corporation at Kvaerner Masa yards, and seven large cruise vessels for Holland America, Carnival and Princess Cruises at Fineantieri yards.

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