Press Releases

Guests sailing on Norwegian Cruise Line are able to voluntarily contribute $10 per person, per cruise through NextEra Energy Resources’ EarthEra® Renewable Energy Trust via Norwegian’s website at www.ncl.com/environment.  The EarthEra Renewable Energy Trust will direct 100 percent of the funds received from Norwegian’s North American guests to build new renewable energy facilities across the United States.

“Across our fleet, we have implemented many of the most innovative environmental policies and technologies in the cruise industry.  Our partnership with NextEra Energy Resources represents a first for the industry and furthers our commitment to the environment,” said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian’s chief executive officer.  “We are pleased to offer the opportunity for our guests to offset their carbon footprint and help build renewable energy.”

Norwegian’s Eco-Smart Cruising Initiatives

For more than four decades, Norwegian has committed to the protection of the oceans and most significantly through sustainable environmental practices, investments in technology and a commitment to exceed regulatory requirements.

Just in the past five years, Norwegian has:

• Steadily decreased the proportion of solid waste handled aboard ships and steadily increased the volumes going to beneficial reuse and recycling programs; 
• Treated black and gray waste water to near drinking water standards, earning local government approval in states with some of the most rigorous discharge laws;
• Taught 473,000 children and youth passengers (2-17) to become better stewards of the environment through the “Officer Snook” education program, offered exclusively on board Norwegian’s ships;
• Delivered more than 400,000 gallons of cooking oil onshore that has been converted to bio-fuel for use in motor vehicles, reducing petroleum consumption and greenhouse gas emissions; and
• Recently, has invested in the environmental future of its 250-acre private island, Great Stirrup Cay, by installing new water production, wastewater treatment facilities and disposal, as well as implementing new recycling activities. 

In addition to these recent initiatives, Norwegian has made significant investments in environmental protection technology, as well as on staff devoted to environmental protection.  Each ship sails with a trained Environmental Officer (EO), a three-stripe, non-watch standing officer whose sole function aboard the ship is the implementation, training, oversight, and verification of shipboard environmental compliance. The EO also provides assistance to Norwegian’s Fleet Regulatory Compliance (FRC) Department in the development of environmental policies and procedures.  All on board crew receive training on environmental procedures prior to assuming shipboard duties, as well as specialized environmental training appropriate to their individual job and responsibility.

Environmental Accolades

The United States Coast Guard recently awarded Norwegian the 2010 Gold William M. Benkert Marine Environmental Protection Award in the foreign vessel category.  This biennial award was created to recognize outstanding achievements in marine environmental protection that go beyond mere compliance with industrial and regulatory standards.  This was the first time a major cruise line has been awarded the Gold Benkert award.

In addition to a certified Safety and Environmental Protection Policy and Procedures, Norwegian is accredited to the international ISO14001 standard for Environmental Management Systems.  This achievement recognizes that the cruise line utilizes a core set of standards for an effective environmental management system that reduces our environmental impacts and increases our operating efficiency.

Norwegian’s vessels have received numerous local awards and recognitions for the cruise line’s participation in environmental programs.  Norwegian ships have been honored by the Port of San Francisco for programs that reduce air and water pollution.  The Port of Seattle has issued certificates to several Norwegian vessels in recognition of their voluntary use of low-sulfur MGO fuel as part of the Port’s At-Berth Clean Fuels program, which launched in 2009.  Last year, Norwegian received one of the first ever Gold Level Green Gateway Awards from the Port of Seattle, which recognizes the comprehensive environmental achievements of the Port’s cruise and containership operators.  Norwegian has also participated in the Port of Los Angeles’ voluntary speed reduction program and has received recognition for 100 percent participation for three years straight.

For more information on Norwegian Cruise Line’s environmental commitment, visit www.ncl.com/environment.

About the EarthEra Renewable Energy Trust
NextEra™ Energy Resources’ EarthEra® Renewable Energy Trust (Trust) is an innovative way for businesses, consumers, local and state governments and universities to participate in the construction of new renewable energy facilities in the United States. NextEra Energy Resources offers environmental products while delivering every dollar generated to the Trust. The Trust has one function: to facilitate the building of wind and solar projects in the United States. An independent trustee, US Bank, and the EarthEra Advisory Board verify that the Trust uses 100 percent of funds to build new renewable energy facilities. NextEra Energy Resources, the largest producer of wind and solar energy in North America, has over 20 years experience building and operating renewable energy projects. NextEra Energy Resources is a subsidiary of NextEra Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NEE). For more information visit: www.EarthEra.com, www.NextEraEnergyResources.com, and www.NextEraEnergy.com