(VANCOUVER, British Columbia) — The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has honored 12 shipping companies and three cruise lines with a Blue Circle Award for 2015. A Blue Circle Award recognizes and honors vessel operators who make environmental choices that go above and beyond regulatory requirements to reduce air emissions.
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s EcoAction Program sets goals for air emissions reductions for oceangoing vessels that enter the Port of Vancouver, helping support the port authority’s long-term sustainability objectives while benefiting industry and communities. As part of the program, vessels are entitled to a discount of up to 47 percent of harbor dues by choosing a variety of eligible fuels, technology options and environmental programs and classifications. The Blue Circle Awards celebrate marine carriers with the highest rate of participation in EcoAction.
“As stewards of Canada’s largest port, we take seriously our responsibility to facilitate the nation’s trade priorities and ensure that goods are moved safely, while also minimizing impact on the environment and our neighboring communities,” said Robin Silvester, president and CEO at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “The Blue Circle Awards celebrate industry commitment to sustainability and are awarded for only the highest emissions reduction achievements. On behalf of the port authority, I congratulate the 2015 award recipients.”
The 2015 Port of Vancouver Blue Circle Award recipients are:
• CMA CGM
• Hamburg Sud
• Hanjin Shipping
• Hapag Lloyd
• Hyundai Merchant Marine
• Westwood Shipping Lines
• Evergreen Line
• United Arab Shipping Co.
• “K” Line
• Mediterranean Shipping Co.
• NYK Line
• Olendorff Carriers
• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Disney Cruise Line
