| Report indicates progress in Pacific

While ship visits to the South
Pacific are up, the impact on
communities has been
minimised, says P&O.
P&O Cruises has released its third annual
Sustainability Report covering last year’s
efforts to address its environmental,
economic and social impact in Australia, New
Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
According to the report, which emphasises
the line’s commitment to sustainable tourism,
P&O has achieved a 14% reduction in carbon
emissions (per passenger per cruise day) and
a 5% reduction in fuel usage (per available
lower berth per kilometer).
Significant progress has also been made
with black water discharge into the sea, with
a 33% reduction per person per day.
Ann Sherry, CEO of Carnival Australia,
unveiled the findings in Sydney at an event
attended by community and tourism leaders
from the Pacific Islands, including Elodie
Jaunay from Noumea, Omayra Naisseline
from Mare, Rika Hotere from Isle of Pines and
Johnson Sausiara from Port Vila.
“Our partnerships with island communities
and our commitment to sustainable tourism
are now fundamental to the way we do
business,” Sherry said.
“We live it every day by minimising our
environmental footprint and helping to
safeguard the vibrant island cultures that are
so vital to our passengers’ cruise experience.”
Sherry also welcomed the leaders to the
launch, held at Luke Mangan’s Glass
restaurant, describing them as “the
champions who have recognised and seized
the economic opportunities of cruise
tourism.”
In 2011, P&O recorded increases of 27.5% in
passengers, 44% in passenger cruise days,
31% in nautical miles travelled, 30% in port
calls and 40% in unique shore tours across its
full cruise operations.