Port Metro Vancouver's 2010 Cruise Season Advances Clean Port Programs

VANCOUVER, Oct. 4 /CNW/ - As the Island Princess sets sail from Canada Place today, marking the end of the 2010 cruise season, Port Metro Vancouver celebrates key cruise industry achievements in sustainability and looks toward renewed growth in 2011 when the Disney Wonder home ports in Vancouver for its inaugural Alaska season. Oceania Cruises also debuts in 2011 with their vessel the Regatta home porting in Vancouver and Crystal Cruises makes a return to Alaska with nine port calls in Vancouver.

The cruise industry has faced increased challenges in 2010, on the heels of the global economic downturn. However, several cruise lines have seized an opportunity this year to advance eco-friendly initiatives like shore power. The Island Princess is one of four Princess ships, in addition to two Holland America ships, that have connected to the new shore power facilities at Canada Place this season. Vancouver is the first port in Canada to offer shore power facilities.

"Long-term sustainability is a top priority for Port Metro Vancouver," said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer of Port Metro Vancouver. "We are pleased to bring new and innovative sustainability programs to our port, and to work with industry leaders to reduce their carbon footprint here in Vancouver. This shore power initiative alone has reduced almost 3000 tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2010," he said.

Port Metro Vancouver, the Government of Canada, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and BC Hydro joined together to invest $9 million in providing shore power at Canada Place.

"We are proud of the strong and long-standing relationship that both Princess Cruises and Holland America Line have with the port and community in Vancouver" said Charlie Ball, President, Holland America/Princess - Alaska Land Operations. "The Island Princess, which also celebrated its naming ceremony in Vancouver in 2003, is one of several of our vessels retrofitted to connect to shore power here in Vancouver. It is an example of our commitment to this important gateway," he said.

Another important sustainable port initiative was the revitalized EcoAction for Shipping Program and the Blue Circle Awards. The program represents Port Metro Vancouver's user friendly financial incentive for vessels to reduce air emissions. The Blue Circle Awards honour the best examples of sustainable shipping. The 2009 Blue Circle Award winners include: Holland America Line, Hapag-Lloyd (Canada) Inc., "K" Line Canada Ltd., Maersk Canada Inc., Princess Cruises, Regent Cruise Line, Seaboard International Shipping Company Limited, SilverSea Cruises and Westwood Shipping Lines.

During the 2010 cruise season, Port Metro Vancouver welcomed 177 calls, including 44 shore power connections, and more than 570,000 passengers. The Cruise industry plays an important role in Metro Vancouver, stimulating more than $2 million in economic activity for every cruise ship call in Vancouver.

For further information: Barbara Joy-Kinsella, Media Relations, Port Metro Vancouver, 604-219-8250