Antarctic Cruises could end soon

Antarctica is becoming economically unviable, according to many cruise operators, because the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships which will become law in 2011 prevents cruise ships from using heavy (diesel type) fuel – instead they will have to carry marine gas oil which is considerably more expensive.

Environmental groups are keen to get the new law passed, as they say it will ensure that the region, which is extremely environmentally fragile, is protected from pollution. The MS Explorer, which sank in the area in 2007, caused profound damage to complex ocean eco-systems when fuel oil leaked into the sea. So many of the larger cruise lines will be looking carefully at this ruling, along with one passed three months ago that will limit the size of vessel that can enter the region and may leave Antarctica of their schedules entirely, re-routing through the Americas to give passengers similar wildlife viewing experiences.