---

Classification society Lloyd's Register has bestowed the 'ECO' class notation designation on the new Carnival Vista, marking the first Carnival Cruise Line ship to achieve this distinction. The notation recognizes that the cruise line designed, built and operates Carnival Vista in a manner that exceeds current maritime statutory environmental regulations.

Lloyd's Register (LR) established a set of voluntary standards that vessels can seek to achieve that exceed regulations established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other national and international regulatory agencies. Vessels seeking the ECO notation must comply with a set of rules established by LR that govern ship design as well as pass LR's surveys and audits during the construction process and once the ship is in service.

"Achieving the ECO notation clearly demonstrates Carnival Cruise Line's commitment to responsible environmental stewardship," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "Carnival Vista was designed to operate at the highest standards set by the international maritime industry, and everyone involved in creating and operating this exceptional ship can take great pride in their achievement."

Carnival Vista was engineered to reduce emissions and meets all current regulations for nitrous oxide and sulphur oxide discharges as well as particulate emissions through the use of low-sulphur fuel, particulate filters and exhaust-cleaning systems. The ship also has the first Intelligent Power Management System installed on a Carnival vessel. The system optimizes diesel engine operational settings to reduce emissions and conserve fuel. In addition, Carnival Vista has a steam-turbine generator that recovers excess steam produced by the exhaust gas boilers while the ship is underway.

Other shipboard systems that contribute to Carnival Vista's reduced environmental impacts include an advanced wastewater treatment system and energy-efficient LED lighting throughout the vessel. The ship has a ballast water treatment system that complies with Ballast Water Management Convention requirements before they take effect.

Carnival Vista also is ahead of regulatory requirements that are part of the Hong Kong Convention for Safe Recycling of Ships which will render it safer and cleaner to recycle the vessel when it reaches the end of its service life many decades from now.

Lloyd's Register is to periodically run surveys and audits of Carnival Vista's operations to ensure the ship continues to comply with its ECO rules and maintains its environmental notation.

Image: The Carnival Vista.