Asia/Pacific News
Call to Curb Cruise Emissions in Australia
Local authorities are seeking measures to reduce emissions from cruise ships in Australia's Sydney Harbour as local residents complain of pollution and noise, Australian newspaper the Daily Telegraph reports.
The $57 million White Bay cruise terminal opened in April 2013, and the New South Wales Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) started discussions with the shipping industry last week on curbing pollution.
Local politician John Stamolis said families are selling their homes and leaving the area because of the problems.
"It's not just the toxic diesel fumes coming off these cruiseliners, but the vibration and the noise," he said.
"If this was a factory it would be shut down, but this is an unregulated industry."
EPA Chief Executive Barry Buffier said meeting with shipping representatives is a first step, and authorities are now considering short- and long-term plans to address local concerns.
"The growth in emissions, the increasing evidence of adverse health impacts from fine particles, including diesel particulates, and the availability of international standards and proven technologies to reduce emissions has provided the impetus for us to take an active role," he said.
Buffier said there are limited controls on ship emissions in Australia, allowing cruise vessels to burn high-sulfur fuel.
MP Jamie Parker said the fight between local residents and the cruise industry is a "David and Goliath situation."
"We must regulate for cruise ships to use low sulphur diesel fuel when in the harbour," he said.
"We must provide shore-to-ship power at the port so ships can switch off their engines when moored.
"We must ensure regulation and controls for noise breaches."
Cruise ship emissions have also been the subject of local complaints in places including Hong Kong and Iceland.
