CLIA and IG River Cruise have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to “strengthen cooperation and lay out a framework” to improve sustainability in the river cruise sector.

Joint areas of cooperation will focus on the exchange of information to ensure the regulatory environment supports sustainable growth of river cruising in Europe.

In addition, there will be a focus on sharing environmental data and collaboration on research and development.

According to a statement, “cross-sectoral collaboration will help operators to address the common challenges that must be overcome” to meet sustainability targets.

These challenges include the need for available sustainable marine fuel, enhanced port infrastructure and new technologies, as well as a regulatory environment that fosters investment.

The MOU, announced at CLIA’s Port & Destination Dialogue in Hamburg, will be followed by a joint CLIA and IG meeting to take place on 18 October 2023.

‘Collaboration key’ for river cruise

CLIA UK & Ireland MD Andy Harmer said: “This is a step forward in bringing together the river cruise community and raising our collective voice.

“Enhanced cooperation between CLIA and IG River Cruise will bolster our ability to serve as a source of knowledge for governments and destinations.

“Collaboration is key to innovation and will benefit the entire European river cruise sector.”

IG River Cruise and CEO of Scylla AG Arno Reitsma added: “The industry already sought references from ocean ships, such as aligning ship design components. It is only logical, therefore, that we also share a common path in the area of sustainability.”

CLIA has also released its 2023 Global Cruise Industry Environmental Technologies and Practices Report, showing “concrete progress by the sector in advancing its environmental and sustainability agenda”.