Virgin Cruise Ship Emissions: Concerns and Promises
Residents in Hobart have expressed worries about the visible emissions released by the cruise ship Resilient Lady in recent weeks. Virgin Voyages has responded by committing to switching to a different fuel type due to the negative public perception surrounding the emissions. Despite receiving approval from the Environment Protection Authority and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the ship faces a setback as next summer’s voyages have been canceled.
The Maiden Voyage of Resilient Lady
Three months ago, the luxury cruise ship Resilient Lady made its grand entrance into Sydney Harbour for its inaugural Australian journey. Sir Richard Branson, the head of Virgin, expressed his excitement as the 278-meter vessel approached the iconic Opera House. He marveled at the ship’s beauty and the anticipation it stirred among onlookers.
Richard Branson, the Virgin boss, made an appearance on Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the launch of the Resilient Lady in Australia. The billion-dollar ship’s recent visits to Australia’s southern port have caused concern among Hobart residents. According to one listener who spoke to ABC Radio Hobart in early February, the Virgin ship emitted white smoke from its funnels, shrouding parts of the city. Another resident expressed disappointment at the cruise ship polluting the air and obstructing the view on what should have been a beautiful day. Some residents even mistook the emissions for a city fire until they realized it was coming from the ship. Social media also buzzed with similar sentiments about the visible emissions, with one person calling it “disgusting” and another mistaking the smoke for a major fire in Battery Point.
The head of Tasmania’s Environment Protection Authority addressed the concerns by stating that while the emissions should be noted, they were not deemed a significant issue. He explained that the emissions seen were a mix of steam and exhaust gases released during the ship’s docking process, which might have appeared more severe due to the presence of steam. However, the EPA recently contacted Virgin Voyages to inquire about the significant smoke plumes emitted in Hobart and Burnie, contrasting with the ship’s emissions in Sydney. The EPA’s director, Wes Ford, expressed his concerns to Virgin Voyages, which resulted in a positive response from the company. Virgin Voyages committed to no longer using heavy fuel oil during its visits to Tasmania, opting instead for marine gas oil, a move that will eliminate the need for an exhaust gas cleaning system running on heavy fuel oil. This decision marks a positive step forward for Tasmania in reducing emissions from Virgin cruise ships.
Virgin Takes Action Due to ‘Negative Perception’
Upon its return to Hobart, the ship displayed minimal smoke emissions from its funnels.
A spokesperson from Virgin Voyages addressed concerns raised by the EPA, acknowledging the impact of current operations on public perception.
To address the community’s worries, Virgin Voyages plans to switch to an alternative fuel while approaching Hobart.
Previously, Tasmania’s EPA monitored sulphur dioxide emissions from cruise ships in Hobart, a chemical known to pose health and environmental risks.
Despite the EPA confirming compliance with national air quality standards, a three-year monitoring initiative was terminated in 2020 due to international regulations mandating a reduction in sulphur content from 3.5% to 0.5% in cruise ship fuel.
Virgin Cruise Ship Emissions Update in Hobart
Virgin Voyages has recently made a significant change in the type of fuel it utilizes in Hobart, as reported by ABC News’ Daniel Miller.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), responsible for ensuring compliance, has confirmed that the Resilient Lady, a Virgin cruise ship, has successfully met all necessary requirements.
A spokesperson from AMSA stated, “The cruise ship Resilient Lady underwent inspections by AMSA inspectors in Hobart and Sydney earlier this month, demonstrating compliance with AMSA’s exhaust standards as mandated by legislation.”
Furthermore, AMSA has been informed that the vessel plans to implement additional initiatives to reduce emissions during future visits to Tasmanian ports.
AMSA and EPA officials are scheduled to conduct a follow-up inspection of the vessel in Hobart on Thursday to ensure continued compliance and environmental responsibility.
Virgin Cruise Ship Emissions Impact Future Voyages to Australia
Planning to visit Hobart this season, The Resilient Lady will not be making a return in 2024-25.
This week, Virgin Voyages made the tough call to cancel its upcoming Australian schedule due to the ongoing tensions in the Red Sea. The area has been plagued by attacks and threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebels, prompting the cruise line to prioritize passenger safety.
Anthony Donald, the CEO of TasPorts, acknowledged the necessity of this decision for the well-being of passengers. Unfortunately, this cancellation means that 17 cruise ship visits to Hobart and Burnie will no longer take place.
**Virgin Voyages Cruise Ship Won’t Visit Australian Ports in 2024-25**
TasPorts Collaborates to Attract Cruise Visits
TasPorts, in partnership with stakeholders and Tourism Tasmania, aims to draw cruise visits to Australian ports to reap economic and social advantages. According to Mr. Donald, the focus is on the benefits these visits bring, prioritizing safety while acknowledging the potential return of Virgin Voyages to Australia, including Tasmanian ports, once travel conditions improve.
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