EMEA News
Green Light for London Cruise Terminal, but Some Still Unhappy Over Lack of Shore Power
In a final stamp of approval, London's mayor, Boris Johnson, has given a green light for a proposed Greenwich cruise liner terminal, planned to be operational by 2017, local media reports.
However, some groups still remain in opposition against the terminal, including the Green Party of Greenwich and Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member, Air Quality News reports.
"In years to come I believe people will look back in amazement at the foolish decision by Greenwich council and the Mayor of London to give the go ahead to a cruise liner operating in a such a polluting way when far less polluting alternatives are available for powering cruise ships when berthed," said Pidgeon.
Counsellor Danny Thorpe, the Royal Borough of Greenwich's cabinet member for regeneration and transport, commenting on the final approval, said the Johnson had "submitted its measures to independent scrutiny and found them to be satisfactory."
Thorpe also noted that the mayor "is satisfied with measures put in place by the Royal Borough to ensure robust monitoring of air quality, with nearly half a million pounds being committed towards air quality monitoring and improvement."
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) was reported as saying that, while it cannot comment on the proposed Greenwich terminal specifically, the cruise industry is "a leader in the global maritime community in environmental stewardship and environmental best practices."
"We also support additional regulations to limit nitrogen oxide emissions, which will become binding in January 2016," added a spokesman for CLIA.
In July, it was reported that plans for a Greenwich, London cruise terminal had been approved by the local planning authority.
In August, air quality campaigners urged local district government to consider establishing shore power at the terminal.
