The Forum builds on the educational platform established over the past year and brings together leading industry experts to discuss technical and regulatory matters affecting the sector. Participants engaged and contributed to CLIA’s work with the IMO, the European Union and other regulators around the world, ensuring that cruise operations remain safe and sustainable as the cruise industry continues to grow. Several sessions were organised throughout the day.
Key takeaways include:
• Public health – Although its impact on cruise ships is marginal at best, with less than 20,000 of the 700 million cases that occur every year affecting cruise ships, delegates discussed the industry’s best practices and effective efforts to reduce the chance of norovirus outbreaks.
• Environmental protection – Participants discussed compliance to cruise ship International regulations, as well as solutions the industry is implementing to diminish its environmental footprint. The conversation focused on different environmental solutions and upcoming technologies, such as emissions reductions and on-board wastewater treatment.
• Safety – Representatives reinforced that safety is, and will remain, a priority. Cruise lines are constantly introducing new measures to improve safety of passengers and crew. Delegates discussed a range of initiatives and solutions to improve the safety of passengers, from swimming pools and man overboard detection to passenger safety at ports of call. “ CLIA’s Technical & Regulatory Forum has once again brought together key cruise industry stakeholders,” said Tom Strang, SVP Maritime Affairs, Carnival Corporation. “As cruising continues to grow faster than any other industry in the tourism sector, it is important for our cruise community to discuss these technical and regulatory topics which are fundamental to continued growth and success.”