VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 9, 2016) - The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is proud to honour 12 shipping and three cruise lines with a Blue Circle Award for 2015. A Blue Circle Award recognizes and honours 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 ocean-going 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 per cent of harbour 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 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."
The 2015 Port of Vancouver Blue Circle Award recipients are:
- 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
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Disney Cruise Line
About the Blue Circle Award:
The Blue Circle Awards recognize marine carriers that excel in environmental stewardship and attain the highest participation rates in the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority's EcoAction Program. The EcoAction program recognizes a variety of fuel, technology and environmental management options that are eligible to receive discounted harbour due rates. Vessels may qualify for one of three levels in the EcoAction program: Gold, Silver or Bronze. Shipping lines can apply for the program at each call or provide an annual declaration for their vessels. Offering vessels a user-friendly financial incentive to improve environmental performance of ocean-going vessels is one way the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority works together with customers and industry stakeholders to promote economic prosperity through trade while protecting the environment.
About the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority:
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is responsible for the stewardship of federal port lands in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. It is accountable to the elected federal minister of transport and operates pursuant to the Canada Marine Act. The port authority is responsible for the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers, and integrates environmental, social and economic sustainability initiatives into all areas of port operations. The Port of Vancouver is Canada's largest port and the third largest tonnage port in North America, facilitating Canada's trade with more than 170 world economies. Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada's west coast, port terminals and tenants enabled the trade of approximately $200 billion in goods in 2015, generating an estimated 100,000 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, and $9.7 billion in GDP across Canada.
Contact Information:
Media & Government Affairs Advisor
julia.ren@portvancouver.com
604-665-9267