Costa Cruises is project managing a Sustainable Cruise project, co-funded by the European Commission.
It says the project, a first for the cruise industry, could pave the way for the introduction of specific EU environmental legislation for shipping.
The Costa Pacifica has been chosen as the pilot for the project.
Packaging, biodegradable waste and paper on the ship are being treated so that they can be reduced, recycled and reused as by-products.
The Sustainable Cruise project also aims to set up a new voluntary certification scheme for shipboard waste treatment and its effects in terms of CO2 reductions.
