World Maritime Day is celebrated on September 25th each year. This year, the International Maritime Organization chose “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity” as the World Maritime Day theme for this year. This reflects on the ocean’s vital role in the maritime industry and our responsibility to protect it. These theme aligns with Disney’s commitment to taking meaningful and measurable action to support a healthier planet for future generations as it continues to grow and operate its businesses. One of the businesses where this is highlighted is the Disney Cruise Line. On World Maritime Day, Disney Cruise Line shared about two crew members who are environmental professionals aboard their ships. Disney shares how Matteo and Ace help make the Disney Cruise Line fleet operate sustainably every day.
Role: Environmental Officer
Ship: Disney Treasure
Role: Lead Environmental Steward
Ship: Disney Destiny
Describe your role on the shipboard environmental team. What do you do on a day-to-day basis?
Matteo:
Environmental Officer is a dynamic job that requires both planning and flexibility.
Sea days are all about the ship itself. While we are sailing, I support all departments during their day-to-day operation and oversee the management and enhancement of sustainable practices onboard. Port days call for compliance with local regulations.
On a typical day we may be carrying out trainings, working with our shoreside partners for procedure updates and supervising safety protocols on the open decks. There is really a lot of variety to the role!
Ace:
As Lead Environmental Steward, I make sure that I implement Disney Cruise Line’s environmental policies as well as International Maritime Organization regulations. My responsibilities include managing waste separation, monitoring recycling procedures and the appropriate handling of hazardous materials. I also help educate crew members on proper environmental practices to ensure everyone is contributing to our operation to be secure and sustainable.
What is your favorite part of your role?
Matteo:
I like to make sure the ship safely follows all international, national and local regulations to protect the marine environment and beyond. It’s a multi-faceted job that involves staying up to date with scientific progress, industry standards, technological innovation and policy requirements. It calls for continuous interaction with colleagues of different backgrounds, within the company and outside of it. My role requires a high level of responsibility. I find it delicate and rewarding.
Ace:
My favorite aspect is knowing my work is one of the important jobs that helps protect our planet.
As a leader in the maritime industry, why is Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to environmental sustainability important?
Matteo:
Our commitment is important because it provides an inspirational perspective to both our crew members and our guests. Sometimes I’m surprised with how ahead of the times we are in adopting innovative practices, such as the removal of single use plastics across the fleet and our island destinations. Innovation requires vision, dedication, dialogue and research, and it is always a complex task. A message we share with our crew is that we are collectively responsible for sustainability.
Ace:
Disney Cruise Line’s commitment keeps everything at a high standard. We create a world-class guest experience while safeguarding natural resources so future generations can enjoy as well.
How does it feel knowing your work is contributing to Disney’s global efforts to minimize our environmental footprint?
Matteo:
I get to be part of a bigger picture, and a noble, necessary mission. When you look at what Disney does to minimize its environmental footprint, you realize that it’s a huge effort. We’re working together for a healthier planet and the wellbeing of future generations.
The Walt Disney Company, and Disney Cruise Line within it, is a major player at the global scale. We’re well aware of the example it is meant to set. Our environmental goals and targets are real, comprehensive, measurable and visible, which fills me with pride. They are also both ambitious and realistic, requiring a consistent effort to be achieved. This is why we are here, to provide expertise and commitment.
Ace:
It makes me feel magical knowing that all my effort in things like managing waste properly or ensuring compliance contributes to Disney’s global sustainability goals. It makes me feel proud that I am a part of something greater that myself.
What’s one Disney Cruise Line sustainability initiative that people might be surprised to learn about?
Matteo:
There are actually several initiatives at the forefront of environmental sustainability! To highlight one, the use of new fuels is particularly significant for minimizing our environmental footprint. Newer vessels are fueled by liquefied natural gas (LNG), while other ships in our fleet are adopting hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) – a renewable marine fuel produced from recycled cooking oils and animal fats – and the use of shore power connections. These innovations reflect Disney Cruise Line’s commitment to the circular economy and a continuous drive to transition toward cutting-edge technological solutions.
Ace:
Most crew members are surprised to hear about our waste management system on our ships. We are also equipped with technology to treat and recycle wastewater, and to compact and recycle plastic, cardboard and aluminum. This is behind the scenes work that goes unseen but makes a significant impact on minimizing our footprint.
How do you help your fellow crew members keep sustainability top of mind on board?
Matteo:
Continuous learning is key. Environmental Officers provide training to all crew members each time they return onboard after their vacation. Our training covers the importance of conserving resources such as water and electricity, as well as providing the proper facilities, support and supervision to ensure the sustainable management of waste streams.
Listening is also fundamental. It is refreshing to receive requests for information from crew members, especially regarding circular practices onboard – for example, waste separation and recycling.
What makes working for Disney Cruise Line unique?
Matteo:
In a world requiring constant adaptation to evolving challenges, witnessing such commitment to make the necessary solutions and resources available is a big driver for personal and professional motivation. It pushes me to provide the best input for the identification of novel, and sometimes creative, approaches.
Then, fun is certainly part of our day. Jack Sparrow and Rapunzel greeting while passing by my office…or the Green Army Men from Toy Story singing loud while I try to concentrate…that puts a smile on my face! I also like to shoot a web to Spider-Man every time I see him!
Ace:
It is special to work for Disney Cruise Line because we have the opportunity to create magic for guests while also minimizing our impact on the environment. Disney Cruise Line’s culture of teamwork, respect and dedication to the environment makes it an amazing place to work.
The Walt Disney Company has environmental initiatives across the company. The efforts and stories of Ace and Matteo show just some of the ways that Disney and the Disney Cruise Line continue to work to improve sustainability efforts and inspire action at sea and beyond. More information about Disney’s sustainability efforts can be found on Disney’s Environmental Sustainability page. For those who would like to join the Disney Cruise Line fleet and start a career at sea, check out DCLjobs.com.
