Royal Caribbean Partners With Ecospec on Pilot Test of Emission Abatement System Onboard Independence of the Seas

MIAMI, June 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Furthering Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.'s commitment to reducing their greenhouse gas footprint by one-third per available passenger cruise day by 2015, the global cruise line today announced that it is partnering with Ecospec to install a pilot test of their CSNOx system on Royal Caribbean International's Independence of the Seas.

The CSNOx system was introduced by Ecospec in January 2009, and is the world's first abatement technology reported to remove sulfur dioxide (SOx), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from engine emissions in one process.  Royal Caribbean is the first cruise operator to initiate a feasibility study with Ecospec to explore the potential for installation of CSNOx systems on a cruise ship.  

"Every day, we are actively researching methodologies and technologies that will reduce our emissions of not only SOx and NOx, but also CO2 as part of our comprehensive strategy to reduce our environmental impact," said Jamie Sweeting, global chief environmental officer and vice president of environmental stewardship for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.  "Our guiding principle of Above and Beyond Compliance, which is ingrained in our operating philosophy, challenges us to rise above what is required by law.  We are optimistic that the CSNOx system will help us to meet our goal."  

Previously, the CSNOx technology was installed and tested on White Sea, a Tanker Pacific vessel in 2009.  The results of this test, published by Ecospec in February 2010, revealed an impressive 99 percent reduction of SOx, 66 percent reduction of NOx, and a 77 percent reduction of CO2.  Additionally, wash water test results also surpassed the International Maritime Organization's exhaust gas cleaning discharge criteria.  The Royal Caribbean pilot test is expected to be complete by the spring of 2011.

About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is a global cruise vacation company that operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises and CDF Croisieres de France.  The company has a combined total of 39 ships in service and three under construction.  It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America.  Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, www.azamaraclubcruises.com, www.cdfcroisieresdefrance.com or www.rclinvestor.com.

About ECOSPEC

Founded in 2001, Ecospec is a Singapore based technological company that researches and develops cost-effective solutions for environmental issues facing the marine and onshore industries.  With a worldwide presence and numerous technology patents, Ecospec has established itself as a pioneer and global market leader in advanced emissions abatement and environmental technologies.  As the world's first three-in-one emission abatement system, CSNOx technology has won both the prestigious "Technology of the Year" global award at the Green Ship Technology Conference 2010 in Copenhagen, Denmark on  March 16, 2010 and the "Environment Protection Award" at the Seatrade Asia Awards 2009 on  June 26, 2009.

For more information, visit: www.ecospec.com.

SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.