New Rules for Cruise Ship Discharge

Cruise ships operating in Canadian waters are now subject to stricter discharge requirements, as outlined in the Interim Order No. 3 Respecting the Discharge of Sewage and the Release of Greywater by Cruise Ships in Canadian Waters. These measures came into force on June 10, 2025, and will continue until June 2026.

The new rules apply to cruise ships certified to carry more than 100 people and have overnight accommodations, including both Canadian vessels and foreign vessels operating under Canadian jurisdiction.

Transport Canada worked with the cruise industry to develop these permanent measures, which aim to reduce marine pollution and protect Canadian waters from vessel sourced pollution.

The requirements list sewage as human body wastes, waste from living animals, and other drainage or wastes when mixed with the listed above. Greywater is defined as used water from sinks, laundry machines, bathtubs, shower-stalls, or dishwashers.

Cruise ships must not discharge greywater and sewage within at least 3 nautical miles from shore, an ice-shelf, or fast ice anywhere in Canada. This distance requirement aims to prevent pollution from reaching sensitive marine ecosystems.

When discharging between 3 and 12 nautical miles from shore south of 60 North, greywater must be treated with sewage to meet specific standards. The discharge must not contain solids, leave a sheen, or discolor the water, or leave any residue on nearby shorelines.

Sewage treatment with an approved marine sanitation device is mandatory for discharges up to 12 nautical miles from shore. This requirement aims to ensure that sewage is handled safely and does not harm the environment.

In addition to these measures, Canada also requires ships to comply with requirements in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). These regulations are designed to reduce marine pollution and promote sustainable shipping practices.