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In recognition of its measurable efforts to reduce its environmental footprint both at sea and in port, Holland America Line has been selected as the 2010 Marine Environmental Business of the Year by the Port of Seattle and the Seattle Propeller Club.

"We applaud and congratulate Holland America Line in winning the 2010 Marine Environmental Business of the Year Award," said Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani. "Their efforts at using shore power while at berth in Seattle contribute greatly to our Puget Sound Clean Air Strategy and help make Northwest ports the Green Gateway."

Noting the company's detailed ISO 14001 Environmental Management System (EMS) plan that governs its fleet-wide efforts, the Port praised Holland America Line for its energetic efforts to reduce its impact on the port and the surrounding community through efficient energy management strategies and responsible management of wastewater discharges.

"We are honored to receive this award and thank the Port of Seattle for recognizing our efforts in environmental stewardship," said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer. "Being selected for this award is a testament to our ongoing commitment to preserving the environment both locally and around the world."

Reducing Fuel Consumption and Emissions

In the last three years Holland America Line challenged its ships to operate at 98 percent of their fuel budget, and in each of those years the ships consumed 96 percent of their fuel budget. Ships based in Seattle during the Alaska cruise season from May to September eliminate diesel engine emissions through a combination of fuel conservation and shore power usage.

Other successful fuel reduction strategies include selecting itineraries that allow optimum vessel speed between port calls to minimize fuel use and maintaining equipment according to specifications.

The company also shares best practices and monthly fuel-use data to encourage competition between vessels to become more efficient.

A Decade-long Partnership

Holland America Line ships have been calling at the port of Seattle since the early 1970s. In May 2002, Holland America Line started basing ships in Seattle for Alaska cruises and began its partnership with the Port to increase tourism into the region. Over the last seven years, its operations have generated more than $2.5 billion for the Seattle area alone.

In 2010, the company has added another ship to sail Alaska cruises for a total of four ships based in Seattle sailing 69 cruises from May to September.