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Royal Caribbean Fined $473K for Environmental Violations at Galveston Port
Royal Caribbean has paid a $473,685 fine to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating waste disposal regulations under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The violations involved eight vessels operating from the Port of Galveston, Texas, which inaccurately reported the type and amount of waste, including incinerator ash, offloaded to local landfills.
From July 2019 to July 2024, Royal Caribbean reportedly failed to properly document and report solid and hazardous waste disposal as required by the EPA. The cruise line did not update notifications, file required biennial reports, or maintain accurate records of the types and amounts of waste generated. Court documents indicated that a Royal Caribbean ship disposed of over a ton of hazardous waste in a month, less than initially reported.
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson clarified that the violations were related to documentation, not environmental harm. “The alleged claims resolved with the EPA involved documentation errors and not environmental impact,” a representative told Houston Public Media. The cruise line emphasized its commitment to exceeding environmental standards and maintaining best-in-class waste management practices.
As part of the settlement, Royal Caribbean agreed to improve its waste documentation processes and follow RCRA guidelines for categorizing and reporting waste. The cruise line has 180 days to implement new waste management initiatives.
In recent years, Royal Caribbean has pioneered eco-friendly technologies, including converting solid waste into energy. Other cruise lines are also advancing sustainability efforts with LNG-powered ships, shore power usage, and greener ship designs.
