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. 

At least 47 countries and ports have introduced bans or restrictions on scrubber discharges, as well as five of Canada’s seventeen federal port authorities.  In British Columbia, the ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert have banned scrubber wash water discharges while ships are at berth and at anchor.

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