OCEAN Pollution

Cruise ships generate large amounts of ocean pollution, including blackwater (sewage), grey water (from sinks, showers, laundry), incinerator ash, oily bilge water, and ballast water.  By far the largest amount of pollution identified by West Coast Environmental Law is from scrubbers which are devices installed to remove exhaust gases such as sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide, as well as particulates, from the heavy bunker fuel that has traditionally been used as marine fuel. 

Instead of switching to more expensive lower sulphur marine gas oil fuels which reduce air emissions, many cruise ships have installed scrubbers to comply with regulations by the International Maritime Organization and to meet North American Emission Control Area emission standards.  Scrubber wash water discharges contain pollutants such as metals, hydrocarbons and acids.  The use of scrubbers has turned air pollution (which still exists) into ocean pollution. 

Many ports and countries have banned the use of scrubbers in their jurisdictions.  In British Columbia, the Port of Vancouver banned scrubber discharges in 2022 and the Port of Port Renfrew is considering similar restrictions.

OCEAN POLLUTION ACTIONS NEEDED

• Ban scrubber wash water discharges at Ogden Point and in the Port of Victoria immediately

• Ban use of scrubbers in Canadian waters

• Use lowest sulphur fuels possible to reduce pollutants