Holland America Line Receives Sixth Consecutive Green Gateway Award from Port of Seattle for Environmental Stewardship

SEATTLE, April 22, 2016 /CNW/ -- The Port of Seattle presented Holland America Line with its sixth consecutive Green Gateway Award. The Port of Seattle also presented Seattle's hometown cruise line with the Technology Innovator award.

The Port of Seattle presents the Green Gateway Awards annually to cruise and commercial lines that call at the port and whose environmental efforts are deemed worthy of recognition.

"Holland America Line's commitment to the environment is something we're very proud of, and to be recognized for the sixth year by the Port of Seattle with a Green Gateway Award is a testament to our dedication and focus," said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line's president. "We are continuously seeking more ways to be an environmental steward and responsibly sail the world's oceans. We are honored to earn these accolades in our hometown."

Holland America Line also received the Technology Innovator award for investing in its Seattle-based fleet that has resulted in year-over-year reductions in fuel use and resultant greenhouse gases. Port of Seattle also cited the cruise line's installation of IPCO Power Fuel Treatment systems that are designed to enhance combustion, lower emissions, improve fuel economy, extend engine overhaul intervals and lower overall operating costs.

In previous years Holland America Line received the Green Gateway Award for its use of shore power, comprehensive practices to reduce emissions and its commitment to protecting the environment.

Holland America Line also was named the 2014 Marine Environmental Business of the Year by the Port of Seattle and the Seattle Propeller Club. The company was honored for its efforts to shrink its global environmental footprint through a series of objectives that reduce consumption of fuel and water, engine emissions and generation of solid waste.

A Long Partnership
Holland America Line ships have been sailing from the Port of Seattle since the 1970s. In May 2002, Holland America Line began using Seattle as a home port for Alaska cruises. This year the company has three ships based in Seattle sailing 50 Alaska cruises from May through September.

Seattle, the Green Gateway
Seattle offers the lowest carbon footprint for cargo shipped by sea from Asia to major markets in the Midwest and East Coast, making it the "Green Gateway" for trade. That designation was determined by the "Carbon Footprint Study of the Asia to North America Intermodal Trade" conducted by Herbert Engineering Corp., which looked at CO₂ emissions of intermodal shipments from Asia to North American markets. 

Holland America Line's Environmental Achievements and 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 practices to reduce pollution through strong policies, effective procedures, innovative technology, best practices and consistent training of employees.

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 Zuiderdam, ms Oosterdam and ms Westerdam — use shore power at the ports of Seattle, San Diego, Halifax and Vancouver.

In addition to the Green Gateway Award, the company also received the 2014 Blue Circle Award from Port Metro Vancouver for the fifth consecutive year and the 2012 Rear Admiral William M. Benkert Environmental Protection Award from the U.S. Coast Guard for its commitment to the environment. Holland America Line was named among the 2016 World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for the fifth consecutive year for its commitment to high ethical standards.

For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Twitter, Facebook and the Holland America Blog. Access all social media outlets via the Online Communities quick link on the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE:  CCL and CUK)]
Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers more than 500 cruises to more than 400 ports in 98 countries, territories or dependencies around the world. From shorter getaways to 115-day itineraries, the company's cruises visit all seven continents with highlights including Antarctica explorations, South America circumnavigations and exotic Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; four annual Grand Voyages; and popular sailings to the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Bermuda, Europe and the Panama Canal. The line currently has a new 2,650-guest ship, ms Koningsdam, delivered in April 2016, as well as a second Pinnacle Class ship due for delivery in November 2018.

The company recently announced $300 million in brand enhancements to secure its position as the leader in premium cruising. Fleetwide, the ships feature innovative initiatives and a diverse range of enriching experiences focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests can expand their knowledge on board at the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine; Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times; and Digital Workshop powered by Windows. Outstanding entertainment fills each evening at venues including Lincoln Center Stage, Billboard Onboard and B.B. King's Blues Club. The dining experience can be savored at a variety of restaurants with menus that feature selections from Holland America Line's esteemed Culinary Council that comprises world-famous chefs who design dishes exclusively for our guests.

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SOURCE Holland America Line