Cruise ship faces hefty fine for pollution
The southern French city of Marseille has been wrestling with growing air pollution as it seeks more of the lucrative cruise tourism business.
File image for illustration: iStock
French prosecutors called for a €100 000 (R1.6 million) fine against a US cruise ship captain and the vessel’s owners for having deliberately flouted European air pollution limits.
The company “wanted to save money at the expense of everyone’s lungs, in the context of major air pollution, caused partly by cruise ships,” prosecutor Franck Lagier told the court in Marseille.
A spot check of The Azura in March found it was burning bunker fuel containing 1.68% sulphur, above the 1.5% European limit.
The ship’s captain, Evans Hoyt, knew perfectly well that the fuel he had filled up with in Barcelona was illegal, said the prosecutor.
Owners Carnival had simply not wanted to respect the law, said the prosecutor.
Lawyers for Carnival argued that the strictest laws on pollution were reserved for passenger ships using a regular route and so did not apply to the Azura.
The Azura, capable of carrying more than 3 000 passengers, is one of the largest in the fleet operated by P&O Cruises, which is owned by Carnival.
The Mediterranean port city is grappling with the polluting effect of its drive to increase boat tourism. The city has wrestled with increased smog in recent years, as it seeks to attract more lucrative cruise tourism.
Authorities say shipping could be responsible for 10-20% of the damaging particulate matter in Marseille’s air, which can cause respiratory problems and lung disease.
High-sulphur fuel, which is cheaper than cleaner versions, produces sulphur oxides which contribute to acid rain and the acidification of oceans.
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