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Costa Cruises, the largest Italian travel company and Europe’s leading cruise line, has announced that it reduced fuel consumption by 5 percent in 2008, according to results from the fourth edition of its Sustainability Report (fiscal year December 2007/November 2008).

The company said it achieved the 5 percent reduction in fuel consumption per mile traveled (at about 339 kg compared to about 356 kg in 2007), with an equivalent reduction in the amount of CO2 produced.

The reduction was achieved thanks to the implementation of various energy-saving measures on board, including the use of ecological silicone-based coatings for the ship’s hull. These antifouling coatings enhance hydrodynamic performance and reduce the growth of microorganisms on the hull surface without any toxic effects. Also, there are information campaigns conducted on board to raise the awareness of crewmembers and Guests alike about how to avoid wasting electricity.

“In 2008, which marked Costa Cruises’ 60th anniversary, we recorded substantial growth accompanied by increased commitment to social and environmental responsibility,” commented Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group Chairman & CEO Pier Luigi Foschi, “despite the impact of rising oil prices and the onset of the financial crisis and economic downturn. In this context we have invested in resources and process optimization in order to maintain the high level of sustainability of our business.”

The Sustainability Report, which is consultable online at www.costacruise.com, is a purely voluntary form of reporting designed to provide comprehensive and transparent information on the effects of corporate activity on the environment and the community.

Costa Cruises’ commitment to safeguarding the environment is also reflected in the fact that it has been assigned RINA’s (the Italian Shipping Register’s) Green Star. In 2005 Costa achieved this important form of recognition of voluntary compliance certifying that all its vessels comply with environmental standards for the prevention of pollution of the marine environment.

The Sustainability Report has its roots in the application of the “B.E.S.T. 4” (Business Excellence Sustainable Task), an integrated management system that encompasses four types of voluntary certification of corporate compliance with the highest standards in the areas of quality (UNI EN ISO 9001, issued in 2008), environment (UNI EN ISO 14001, 2004), safety (OHSAS 18001, 2007) and social accountability (SA 8000, 2001), guaranteeing the measurement of company performance and continuous improvement. Costa obtained the B.E.S.T. 4 from RINA in 2004.