Three cruise lines have been recognized by the Port of Vancouver for their contribution to sustainable operations at the annual Blue Circle Awards. 

Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises were honored for their environmental leadership while homeporting at its Canada Place cruise terminal, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority said in a statement. 

Launched in 2009, the Blue Circle Awards recognize industry operators and customers for their work on reducing air emissions and underwater noise and conserving energy while participating in the port authority’s EcoAction and Energy Action programs. 

“Those operating at the Port of Vancouver are showing that growing trade and environmental leadership can go hand in hand,” said Peter Xotta, president and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.  

“Our Blue Circle Awards recognize port partners who are embracing environmentally responsible trade and driving real progress. The work the port community is pioneering today to move more goods and people in a more sustainable way will benefit us all for generations to come.” 

Princess Cruises has now been recognized a total of 16 times, including this year’s Special Mention. 

The Special Mention was given for the adoption of air lubrication systems that reduce air emissions and improve fuel efficiency, as well as collaborating with the port authority to measure and quantify the benefits of air lubrication system operation on underwater-radiated noise. 

Disney Cruise Line has received a Blue Circle Award every year it homeported in Vancouver, while Holland America Line has received a total of 12 awards. 

The trio was among almost 30 Port of Vancouver terminals, tenants, marine operators and cruise and shipping lines recognized for helping enable Canadian trade while advancing sustainability. 

The peak season is ongoing at the port, running from early May to late September, and this year is set to break records with an estimated 1.4 million visitors.