SGS Marine Services, as a key player in the cruise industry, has announced improvements in environmental management in this sector. Given the rapid growth of the cruise industry following the COVID-19 pandemic and the forecast of nearly 40 million passengers by 2027, SGS has expanded its activities to preserve the environmental health of travelers.
History and Expansion of SGS Services
SGS (Société Générale de Surveillance), founded in 1878, provides services including testing, inspection, and certification for various industries. Since 2000, the company has entered the cruise industry and now collaborates with about 85 percent of the world's cruise lines. These collaborations include compliance with environmental regulations and public health standards set by various organizations, including the EPA and CDC.
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SGS Actions and Services in the Cruise Sector
SGS Global Sales Manager, Robert Goldrig, emphasized the importance of environmental regulations, stating: "We examine and test the water discharged from ships to ensure that this water is free of pollution." Additionally, SGS has launched a program to test for Legionella, a harmful bacterium that can grow in water systems.
Goldrig added that SGS regularly assesses the health and safety conditions of passengers and crew on ships. These assessments include air quality checks, microbiological tests, and hygiene conditions in cabins and public areas of the ship.
With the increasing size of cruise ships, SGS typically sends two or three technicians to conduct tests on the ships. These actions also include testing water at the private islands of cruise lines to ensure that water near the shores is not polluted.
Ultimately, Goldrig believes that the cruise industry has made progress in protecting the environment and the health of passengers, but there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Some cruise lines perform better in this regard than others, and SGS, as a regulatory body, is striving to establish higher standards in this industry.
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