Ship Shape: Introduction

Welcome to Ship Shape, a new series featuring our Clean Vessels Campaign! Friends of the Earth’s Clean Vessels Campaign is working to fight pollution from ocean going vessels such as cargo ships and cruise ships. Ocean going vessels discharge enormous amounts of pollution — from particulate matter, to greenhouse gas pollution, to raw sewage and oil spills. Ships also harm marine mammals directly through routine collisions with whales and other creatures.

Shipping is currently the “wild west” of pollution. Given its international nature, the shipping industry has escaped stringent national regulations typical of other pollution sources. Friends of the Earth is working to change this dynamic, and will be bringing you updates in this new feature. Our most immediate work will be on cruise ship pollution.