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The Port of Seattle recognized several maritime businesses for their innovative approaches to environmental stewardship at the fifth annual Green Gateway Awards.

This year's winners all made the silver category, scoring between 75 and 89 points out of 100. Scores were determined by analysts from Cascadia Consulting Group and Glosten Associates based on submitted application materials.

The awardees were:

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises won not only the silver but was also recognized as the Most Innovative Partner. Princess Cruises' use of low-sulphur fuels beyond the required levels and zero discharge of ballast water in Puget Sound contributed to its high scores in the Air & Energy and Wastewater categories. The innovations recognized include participation in an emission and control technology research project on three vessels, extensive efforts to minimize waste streams, and a process to return expired chemicals and pyrotechnics to the supplying vendors.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity's use of low-sulphur fuels beyond the required levels and energy efficient water consumption practices contributed to its scores in the Air & Energy and Wastewater categories. The company also earned points for additional Innovations described in its application, including innovative programs to engage crew and guests in Celebrity's sustainability efforts.

COSCO Container Line

COSCO's consistent use of low-sulphur fuels beyond the required levels and outreach to the crew on waste and wastewater contributed to its high scores in the Air & Energy, Wastewater, and Waste & Sustainability categories.

Maersk Line

Maersk Line's use of low-sulphur fuels beyond the required levels and progressive operational processes in the Air & Energy, and Waste & Sustainability categories contributed to its high scores. Maersk also earned points for additional Innovations in part due to its 'QUEST' program, a joint development program to reduce energy consumption in vessels carrying refrigerated containers.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean's use of low-sulphur fuels beyond the required levels and initiatives to reuse and reduce greywater contributed to its high scores in the Air & Energy and Wastewater categories. Royal Caribbean also earned points for additional Innovations described in its application, including re-use of waste heat from the engines to heat shower water.

Holland America Line

Holland America's zero discharge of ballast water in Puget Sound, and progressive energy efficiency and waste management practices contributed to its high scores. Holland America also earned points for additional Innovations for state of the art propulsion and handling systems that allow their vessels to routinely manoeuvre without tugboats.

Port of Seattle Commissioner John Creighton remarked: "We started the Green Gateway Awards program five years ago to both highlight our customers' commitment to good environmental practices and encourage them to go above and beyond what current regulations require.

"Next year's awards will provide further opportunity to highlight the work of maritime companies operating in the Puget Sound region, as our Northwest Seaport Alliance will have the potential to include more customers and their vessels."