OREANDA-NEWS. At a reception June 2, 2015, Holland America Line was presented with a Port Metro Vancouver 2014 Blue Circle Award for its ongoing commitment to sustainability. The award is bestowed on companies with the highest level of participation in Port Metro Vancouver’s EcoAction Program and that strive to reduce emissions and shrink their carbon footprint.

Holland America Line was one of 16 companies to receive the honor and one of just four cruise lines. Holland America Line has won the award every year since its inception in 2009.

“As a company that places environmental stewardship at the top of our priorities, it’s an honor to again receive the coveted Blue Circle Award from Port Metro Vancouver,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “Our business is based on sharing the beautiful areas of the world such as Alaska with our guests, so we take our responsibility to effectively manage our impact and interactions with the environment very seriously.”

About Port Metro Vancouver’s EcoAction Program
As a global leader in port sustainability, Port Metro Vancouver is committed to working with industry stakeholders to reduce atmospheric emissions and carbon footprints. The EcoAction Program is a unique way of encouraging cleaner ships by offering financial incentives for vessels that implement emission-reduction measures and other environmental practices. The Blue Circle Award recognizes a company’s commitment to sustainability.  

In 2014, through shore power use in Vancouver and the Port’s EcoAction Program, participants contributed to an overall reduction of more than 3,000 tons of GHG emissions.

Holland America Line’s Environmental Accolades
Holland America Line’s ships meet or exceed all provisions of the international regulations governing the environmental management of marine operations. But the company aims for superior environmental performance while operating responsibly via a firm promise to reduce all forms of pollution through improved policies, scientifically sound practices, consistent training of employees and innovative technology.
 
Holland America Line is among the pioneers in the maritime industry in investing in technology to reduce engine emissions while a ship is at berth. Six of the 15 Holland America Line ships —

ms Amsterdam, ms Veendam, ms Noordam, ms Oosterdam, ms Westerdam and ms Zuiderdam — use shore power at the ports of Seattle, San Diego and Vancouver.
 
In addition to the Blue Circle Award, the company also received the 2015 Green Gateway Award from the Port of Seattle for its commitment to the environment, and the 2012 Rear Admiral William M. Benkert Environmental Protection Award from the U.S. Coast Guard. Holland America Line was named among the 2015 World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for its commitment to high ethical standards.
 
Through the “Our Marvelous Oceans” partnership with the Marine Conservation Institute that began in 2010, Holland America Line educates guests and crew about marine conservation issues, including a new focus on marine protected areas. The cruise line and the Marine Conservation Institute also continue to work together to source sustainable seafood for Holland America Line.