Princess Cruises has been honored by the Port of Seattle with a Gold Level Green Gateway Award for the line’s environmental stewardship.

The port recognized a number of Princess’ environmental activities including fitting vessels with opacity monitors, using oily water separators, and exemplary waste reduction efforts – including providing used cooking oil from ships for making biodiesel.

“We’re gratified that the port has recognized us for making a difference in local environmental efforts,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Passengers come to beautiful ports such as Seattle to experience the area’s natural beauty, so we are committed to doing our part to keep it that way.”

Princess Cruises is committed to environmental practices which set a high standard for excellence and responsibility, and which help preserve the marine environment in which its ships operate. The company’s environmental goals and policies go beyond what is required by law and include a zero solid waste discharge policy, state-of-the-art environmental technology and waste management equipment, programs to minimize waste generated, and recycling where possible. The company also pioneered the use of shore power programs in the cruise industry to reduce air emissions.