PHOTO: Port of Vancouver. (Photo courtesy of Thinkstock)

Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Disney Cruise Line have all been awarded a Blue Circle Award by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. The Blue Circle Award is given to cruise and shipping operators whose environmental operations go a step beyond regulatory requirements in order to reduce air emissions.

The three cruise lines join 12 shipping lines in earning the prestigious award.

“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 neighbouring communities,” said Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer 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.”

Through its EcoAction Program, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s sets goals every year with respect to reducing air emissions for ocean-going vessels utilizing the Port of Vancouver. The program has been designed to help support long-term sustainability objectives for the port authority while also benefiting the local community. Vessels that choose a variety of eligible fuels, technology options and environmental programs and classifications are eligible to receive discounts of up to 47 per cent off harbour dues.  

Every year, marine carriers with the highest rate of participation in EcoAction are honoured with a Blue Circle Award.

Port of Vancouver Blue Circle Award Recipients

• Princess Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Disney Cruise Line

• CMA CGM
• Hamburg  Süd
• Hanjin Shipping
• Hapag Lloyd
• Hyundai Merchant Marine
• Westwood Shipping Lines
• Evergreen Line
• United Arab Shipping Company
• “K” Line
• Mediterranean Shipping Company
• NYK Line
• Olendorff Carriers

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is responsible for the federal port lands around Vancouver, British Columbia. It is Canada’s largest port and the third largest port by tonnage in North America. Facilitating trade between Canada and more 170 nations around the world, the port was responsible for nearly 100,000 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, and $9.7 billion in GDP in 2015.

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