Cruise lines whose ships have visited Gloucester received the highest and lowest marks for doing well when its comes to pollution.
Friends of Earth, the U.S. voice of the world's largest grassroots environmental network, has released its first cruise ship report card on just how well cruise ship companies are doing when it comes to pollution.
To the lines whose ships visit Cape Ann, Friends of Earth gave its highest mark — a "B''— to Holland America Line, whose ships docked in Gloucester in 2006 and 2007.
Cruise lines were graded in three categories: sewage treatment, air pollution reduction and water quality compliance.
Norwegian also scored fairly well.
Of those lines whose ships visit New England, the lowest grades — "Fs" — went to ships owned by Royal Caribbean International, Carnival and Silversea.
Silversea, which is owned by Carnival, had a ship visit Gloucester last year.
Princess Cruise Line had ships that scored an "A" and some that scored "Fs."
Seven cruise ships, mostly smaller vessels, were slated to visit Gloucester this summer season.
An explanation of Friends of the Earth's grading system and information about the environmental impact of individual cruise ships can be found at http://www.foe.org/cruisereportcard.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report by staff writer Andrea Holbrook. She may be reached at aholbrook@gloucestertimes.com.
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