CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) has criticised the Government of France for attempting to double-dip with its recently announced pollution tax targeting the cruise industry (CW yesterday). “Cruise lines share France’s commitment to protecting coastal environments and already comply with the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which places a direct...
CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) has criticised the Government of France for attempting to double-dip with its recently announced pollution tax targeting the cruise industry (CW yesterday).
“Cruise lines share France’s commitment to protecting coastal environments and already comply with the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which places a direct and rising price on CO,” a CLIA statement read.
“Cruise operations in Europe are therefore already contributing substantially to national and EU climate funds.
“Adding a 15 per-passenger fee at every French port of call would layer a new charge on top of the ETS, effectively taxing the same emissions twice without a clear environmental benefit.”
Any new levy should be fair, evidence-based, and consistent across vessel types, without confusing cruise ships with other types of vessels, CLIA added.
“Cruise visitors represent only a small share of maritime traffic, yet generate significant economic value for French destinations, which totals 7 billion to the country’s economy, including 39,000 jobs, and 3.2 billion in GDP,” the Association said.
