Carnival Legend Awarded RINA Green Star

Italian classification society RINA has awarded its Green Star logo, a dedicated environmental standard for shipping, to the 88,500gt Carnival Legend, delivered from Kvaerner Masa yard August 14, 2002, to Carnival Cruise Line. Carnival Legend is also built to RINA class. The 2,124-passenger vessel is a sistership to the already delivered Costa Atlantica (2000), Carnival Spirit (2001), and Carnival Pride (2001). Two more vessels, the Costa Mediterranea (2003), and Carnival Miracle (2004) are due to follow. All will meet RINA's high voluntary standards of construction and operation to maximize environmental preservation. "We know that passengers want to visit environmentally sensitive areas, but they want to leave them as they found them, pristine," said Ugo Salerno, ceo of RINA, presenting the award to the ship's master at the delivery ceremony. "The Green Star standard is visible proof that their ship is designed and operated to protect the environment, and keep the sea and air clean." Salerno went on to congratulate Carnival Corporation on its environmental awareness, and thank Kvaerner Masa Yard for the spirit of co-operation with which it has worked with RINA to implement the new standards. The Green Star logo has been awarded to the Carnival Legend as evidence that the ship meets the requirements of two voluntary RINA class notations, CLEAN SEA and CLEAN AIR. A leading feature of the CLEAN SEA notation is that double bottoms must be used to protect fuel tanks, thus preventing accidental discharge of oil in a low speed accident. Ships must also be fitted with holding tanks for all black and grey water waste, to prevent organic pollution, and must meet the standards set down in the voluntary IMO MARPOL Annex IV. Special requirements ensure garbage is disposed of safely, oily bilge water is properly cleaned before discharge and ships must use environmentally friendly anti-fouling bottom paint. The CLEAN AIR notation sets limits on SOx and NOx emissions from the engines, and requires compliance with the voluntary standards of Annex VI to Marpol. There is a 3 per cent limit on sulphur content in fuel that can be burnt. RINA also sets requirements for refrigeration gases and their containment in the case of an accident, and sets controls for incineration plants. "Carnival Corporation knows that these new ships meet the requirements of Annex IV and VI to Marpol," said Mario Dogliani, Head of RINA innovation & products ship division. "They can plan itineraries to areas where any form of waste disposal is prohibited. The Green Star they will display shows their passengers that they respect the environment. We believe these standards offer shipowners and their clients the best possible protection for the environment, combined with a practical approach to dealing with wastes and the energy needs of a passenger ship. RINA's long experience of working with cruise ship operators and the major cruise ship building yards underpins this new standard."