Denmark: Cruise Industry Commits to Sustainability with New Manifesto

Twenty-nine cruise destinations have signed Cruise Baltic Sustainability Manifesto, a manifesto pledging increased sustainability in the Baltic Sea region’s ports and cities.

This is a result of an international cruise conference that took place in Copenhagen today.

Gathering more than a hundred and sixty representatives from the international cruise industry, the conference focused on the Baltic Sea region as a sustainable destination and represents a cooperation between Cruise Baltic, Copenhagen Malmö Port, the City of Copenhagen and the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark.

All twenty-nine participating destinations, a total of seven countries signed the new manifesto which has a sharp focus on reducing air pollution and congestion.

“It is a prerequisite for the work on green transformation in the cruise industry that there is agreement among cities, ports and shipping companies to make sustained effort,” Claus Bødker, Director Cruise Baltic, said.

“Thus, this manifesto represents a major step towards a more sustainable future and it is fantastic to experience such great support and motivation across the entire industry,” he added.

The conference presented a number of recommendations and technological solutions, which can contribute to fulfilling green targets for the Baltic Sea region’s cruise destinations.

Onshore power supply was one of the conference’s central themes, which among other things highlighted the experience from Port of Kristiansand. In addition, there were many inputs on the theme of congestion.

“No one is more interested in eradicating environmental issues than the cruise industry itself. The conference marked the beginning of a greener future and a strong global cooperation. Now we will all return home to execute the goals we have set together,” Bødker continued.

As informed, the conference marked the start of the Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark’s international project to reduce air pollution at the quay from cruise ships in the Baltic Sea region. The project runs from 2019 through to 2022.