Carnival Cruise Line is the first recipient of Port of Seattle’s inaugural Program Innovator Award and also received the port’s Green Gateway Partners Award, honoring the cruise line’s commitment to environmental stewardship, according to a news release from the Miami-based cruise company.

Rabih Aboudargham, director, environmental operations for Carnival Cruise Line, accepted the honors yesterday at Port of Seattle’s Cruise Annual All Agency Pre-Season Reception held at the World Trade Center on the Seattle waterfront.

As the inaugural recipient of the port’s Program Innovator Award, Carnival was recognized for its creativity in environmental practices, including innovations in fuel efficiency and waste reduction, as well as its partnership with the Nature Conservancy and the development of groundbreaking exhaust gas cleaning technology. 

The cruise line’s training program for shipboard employees was acknowledged, as well. 

The annual Green Gateway Awards are bestowed on those cruise and container customers whose environmental programs and initiatives exceed regulatory requirements and support the port’s goal of becoming the cleanest and most energy-efficient port in North America.

“Receiving this recognition from Port of Seattle — one of the leaders in seaport environmental innovation — is truly an honor,” said Aboudargham.  “It also is an inspiration to continue seeking new ways to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve and protect our precious natural resources,” he added. 

“Carnival Cruise Line proves by their everyday practices that you can be good environmental stewards while contributing to this region’s economy,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Courtney Gregoire. “As we start another fantastic cruise season, we thank Carnival Cruise Line for making our planet a greener place,” she added. 

Photo: from left: Port of Seattle Managing Director Lindsay Pulsifer ; Rabih Aboudargham, director, environmental operations for Carnival Cruise Line; Port of Seattle Commissioner Courtney Gregoir.