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Introduction
On February 26, 2025, local authorities in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, initiated an environmental assessment after observing a white plume emanating from NCL’s Norwegian Epic while the vessel was berthed at Road Town. The investigation, led by the Environmental Health Division (EHD), aimed to determine whether the emissions posed any risk to air quality or public health. The findings confirmed that all readings were within acceptable limits, attributing the visible plume primarily to water vapor from the ship’s Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS). This incident highlights the ongoing collaboration between cruise operators and port authorities to ensure compliance with international environmental standards and safeguard the health of passengers, crew, and local communities.
Details of the Incident
While docked at Road Town, Tortola, on February 26, 2025, the Norwegian Epic emitted a visible white plume, prompting concern among local authorities. The Environmental Health Division (EHD), acting under the directive of the Ministry of Communications and Works, conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the emissions. Measurements were taken for carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide to assess any potential impact on air quality.
The investigation revealed that the plume consisted primarily of water vapor, a byproduct of the ship’s Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), also known as scrubbers. These systems are designed to reduce sulfur oxide emissions, ensuring compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards and MARPOL Annex VI regulations. All recorded readings were within normal ranges, confirming no adverse effects on air quality or public safety.
During the assessment, the ship’s Environmental Officer provided full cooperation, sharing necessary documentation such as the EGCS emissions report and Certificate of Conformity. These documents verified the vessel’s adherence to international environmental regulations, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable operations.
Response and Impact
To further enhance air quality at the port, the EHD recommended that the Norwegian Epic switch from using scrubbers to low-sulfur fuel while berthed. In response, the ship’s Environmental Officer expressed willingness to adopt this recommendation, planning to transition to marine gas oil within one hour of berthing and revert to standard operations one hour prior to departure during future visits to Tortola.
This proactive approach underscores the shared commitment of both the cruise line and local authorities to maintaining a clean and healthy environment. The incident also highlights the importance of continuous monitoring and adaptation of practices to minimize environmental impacts, particularly in sensitive port areas.
Industry experts note that the use of scrubbers has been a contentious topic, with some ports advocating for stricter controls on emissions even when vessels are equipped with advanced cleaning systems. This case demonstrates how collaboration and dialogue between stakeholders can lead to practical solutions that balance operational efficiency with environmental stewardship.