April 4, 2022 Ottawa Transport Canada
Cruise ships are an important part of Canada's domestic tourism sector. As Canada welcomes cruise ships back to its waters, the Government of Canada, in coordination with industry, announces new environmental measures for cruise ships in Canadian waters that exceed international standards. For the 2022 season, cruise operators will implement stricter environmental measures regarding greywater and blackwater. Greywater is defined as the drainage from sinks, laundry machines, bathtubs, shower-stalls, or dishwashers and blackwater is defined as the wastewater from bathroom and toilets.
The measures include:
- Prohibiting the discharge of greywater and treated blackwater within three nautical miles from shore where geographically possible;
- Treating greywater together with blackwater before it is discharged between three and twelve nautical miles from shore to the greatest extent possible;
- Strengthening the treatment of blackwater between three and twelve nautical miles from shore using an approved treatment device; and
- Reporting to Transport Canada compliance with these measures as they relate to discharges made within Canadian waters.
These measures will better protect Canada's oceans and the marine environment and will support the work that is underway to conserve 25 percent of Canada's oceans by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030.
The Government of Canada plans to make these changes permanent through regulations, and appreciates the cruise ship industry's willingness to pursue these measures in the interim.
Ahead of the 2022 cruise ship season, Transport Canada remains focused on keeping passengers and the environment safe, while also promoting tourism and growing the economy.
