What pollutes more cruise ships or airplanes?

Research shows that cruising emits up to four times more CO2 per passenger than flying. While air travel costs between 0,11 and 0,16 kg per passenger per kilometer – a significant amount -, taking a cruise ship adds up to a staggering 0,40 kilograms per kilometer.



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“According to our calculations, a cruiseliner such as Queen Mary 2 emits 0.43kg of CO2 per passenger mile, compared with 0.257kg for a long-haul flight (even allowing for the further damage of emissions being produced in the upper atmosphere).

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Cruise ships, huge compared to other vessels, end up burning more heavy fuel oil, one of the dirtiest fossil fuels on the market. This oil contains dangerous levels of sulfur and heavy metals etc. It is estimated that cruise ships use, on average, 150 tons of heavy fuel oil every day.

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Flights emit 500 grams of carbon dioxide/metric tons of cargo per kilometer of transportation. However, ships emit only between 10 to 40 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. The carbon footprint of airplanes is 20 to 30 times more than ships.

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Finally, the plane is the most polluting means of transport and the one that generates the most greenhouse emissions.

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Trains. Besides walking and biking, traveling by train remains one of the greenest and most environment-friendly options when getting around. Regardless if electric or diesel-powered, trains emit between 66 and 75 percent fewer carbon emissions when compared to cars and airplanes.

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A medium-sized cruise ship spews greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of 12,000 cars, while environmentalists accuse big industry players of investing little in decarbonization, and of covering up endless delay tactics in a heavy coat of greenwash.

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Planes Remain A Problematic Means Of Transport Air traffic represents less than 2-3% of the global CO2 emissions whereas road traffic accounts for around 10% of these direct emissions. Still, planes remain among the most polluting means of transport, together with cars.

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During a typical one-week voyage, a large cruise ship (with 3,000 passengers and crew) is estimated to generate 210,000 US gallons (790,000 L) of sewage; 1 million US gallons (3,800 m3) of graywater (wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundries); more than 130 US gallons (490 L) of hazardous wastes; 8 tons of solid ...

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“Cruising is less stressful and also means you do not lose time commuting and travelling to a destination as you will be eating, watching shows, drinking with friends and sleeping in comfort as the ship takes you to the next destination. It is a more efficient and enjoyable use of your time.”

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In terms of transporting cargo, container ships are by far the most energy efficient form of transport compared to trains, trucks, and planes.

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Port pollution: Cruise ships generate plastic waste not only while at sea but also while in port. This can contribute to plastic pollution in the surrounding waters and on nearby beaches.

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Currently, cruise ships and other maritime vessels are responsible for nearly 3% of global greenhouse emissions each year. Considered to be worse than flying in terms of carbon emissions per passenger, a report by Pacific Standard revealed that a person's average carbon footprint triples in size while on a cruise.

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Cruise ships are only permitted to release human wastewater that has been heavily treated. Solid waste is also treated and dehydrated but not released into any open body of water. Instead, it is disposed of through standard, onshore waste disposal methods once the cruise ship is in port.

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Pursuing Net Zero Committed to pursuing net zero GHG emissions by 2050 across our operations and value chain. Reducing Carbon Intensity Achieved a 25% reduction in fuel consumption per capacity day fleetwide from 2008 to 2019. Investing in Shore Power ~40% of the NCL fleet has shore power capabilities.

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Understanding these emission differences can help us travel efficiently without adding to air pollution and climate change. The cleanest modes of transportation are walking and biking. Walking to and from the store will not only get you closer to your daily step goal, it will not contribute to air pollution.

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Rail transport may well be the most environmentally responsible way to travel, other than walking and biking.

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