Port Metro Vancouver Rewards Marine Carriers for Environmental Stewardship With Blue Circle Awards

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - May 7, 2015) - Port Metro Vancouver is proud to honour 12 shipping and four cruise lines with a Blue Circle Award for 2014.

The Blue Circle Awards recognize marine carriers with the highest rate of participation in Port Metro Vancouver's EcoAction Program. EcoAction sets goals for air emissions reductions for ocean-going vessels that enter our port, and rewards those that excel in environmental stewardship. As part of the program, vessels are entitled to a discount of up to 47 per cent on harbour dues by choosing a variety of eligible fuels, technology options and environmental management practices.

"Port Metro Vancouver is ensuring port operations are sustainably managed while at the same time responding to increasing demand for trade," said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. "The Blue Circle Awards allow us to recognize and honour marine carriers that are committed to reducing air emissions by going above and beyond regulatory requirements. I congratulate the 2014 award recipients."

The 2014 Port Metro Vancouver Blue Circle Award recipients are:

• Celebrity Cruises
• CMA CGM
• Disney Cruise Line
• Eukor Car Carriers Inc.
• Grieg Star Shipping (Canada) Ltd.
• Hanjin Shipping Co. Ltd
• Hapag-Lloyd (Canada) Inc.
• Holland America Line
• Hyundai Merchant Marine
• "K" Line
• Maersk Line
• Mitsui O.S.K Lines, Ltd.
• Mediterranean Shipping Company (Canada) Inc.
• Princess Cruises
• Westwood Shipping Lines
• Yang Ming Shipping (Canada) Ltd.

Port Metro Vancouver's achievements in building and maintaining a sustainable gateway have been widely celebrated. We have been recognized for sustainability performance by Corporate Knights, MarCom and Clean Tech50.

About the Blue Circle Award:

"Vessels that have implemented emission reduction measures and other environmental practices can apply to the EcoAction Program to receive a reduced harbour due rate. Marine Carriers that qualify are eligible to receive the Blue Circle Award, a recognition reserved for the highest level of participation in the EcoAction Program."

About Port Metro Vancouver:

Port Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest port and the fourth largest tonnage port in North America, responsible for Canada's trade with more than 160 world economies. Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada's west coast, Port Metro Vancouver 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. Port Metro Vancouver is committed to meaningful engagement with the communities in which it operates and the shared obligation to improve the quality of life for Canadians. Enabling the trade of approximately $187 billion in goods annually, the port generates an estimated 100,000 jobs, $6.1 billion in wages, and $9.7 billion in GDP across Canada. As a non-shareholder, financially self-sufficient corporation established by the Government of Canada, Port Metro Vancouver operates pursuant to the Canada Marine Act and is accountable to the elected federal Minister of Transport.