Gov’t recommends Norwegian Epic use low-sulfur fuel at BVI port

 

The Environmental Health Division has recommended that the Norwegian Epic cruise ship switch from using its scrubber or exhaust gas cleaning system (EGCS), to low-sulfur fuel while docked in Tortola, in an effort to further enhance air quality at the port.

The recommendation follows public concerns about the environmental impact of cruise ship emissions in the British Virgin Islands. In response, the Ministry of Communication and Works instructed the Division to assess the situation.

The assessment determined that the visible white plume emitted from the Norwegian Epic is within normal ranges and that the vessel complies with international environmental regulations. However, the Division advised the ship’s Environmental Officer to consider switching to marine gas oil while at berth.

“In an effort to further enhance air quality at the port, it was recommended that the ship switch from using scrubbers to low-sulphur fuel while at berth. The ship’s Environmental Officer has indicated a willingness to consider this recommendation, planning to switch to marine gas oil within one hour of berthing and revert back one hour prior to departure on future visits to Tortola,” the Ministry stated.

The report clarified that the visible plume is primarily composed of water vapor, a byproduct of the ship’s scrubbers, which are designed to reduce sulfur oxide emissions and ensure compliance with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards under MARPOL Annex VI.

Concerns from residents

Residents have raised concerns about emissions from cruise ships at the port, questioning their potential impact on both the environment and public health.

While the Ministry has conducted an assessment on the Norwegian Epic, it has not indicated whether similar evaluations will be carried out for other vessels docking in the Territory.