---

For the sixth year in a row, the Port of Seattle presented its Green Gateway Partners Awards, which recognize the comprehensive environmental achievements of the port's maritime operators. This year's award winners are Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America Line.

"These cruise lines prove 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 these cruise lines for making our planet a greener place."

The Green Gateway Partners applications were evaluated by a third party, EA Engineering, Science and Technology, Inc., and awards were made based on environmental best practices and innovative approaches.

2016 Green Gateway Partners Awards - Winners

Carnival Cruise Line

Port of Seattle explained: "Carnival Cruise Line has undertaken a variety of environmental initiatives that exceed regulations and industry standards. For example, Carnival's use of fuel efficiency practices, waste reduction, partnership with The Nature Conservancy, and ISO 14001 certification illustrate exemplary environmental performance. Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line's friendly competition and incentive program for its Environmental Team members has led to continuous improvement in waste reduction and recycling, which warrants the Program Innovator Award."

Celebrity Cruises

Port of Seattle said: "Celebrity Cruises demonstrated a variety of environmental stewardship efforts that exceed regulations and industry standards. Your application shows impressive measurable results in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Use of fuel efficiency measures, wastewater management, water conservation practices, waste reduction/recycling, chemical controls, and ISO 14001 certification* illustrate Celebrity Cruises’ exemplary environmental performance."

Holland America Line

Port of Seattle commented: "Holland America Line's use of scrubbers and shore power, waste reduction efforts, and ISO 14001 certification illustrate exemplary environmental performance. We are also recognizing Holland America Line with the Technology Innovator award. Holland America Line has made significant capital investments in its Seattle-based fleet which has resulted in year over year reductions in fuel use and resultant greenhouse gases. They have also installed IPCO Power Fuel Treatment systems which are designed to enhance combustion, lower emissions, improve fuel economy, extend engine overhaul intervals and lower overall operating costs."

Norwegian Cruise Line

Port of Seattle explained: "Princess Cruises demonstrated a variety of environmental stewardship efforts that exceed regulations and industry standards. Norwegian Cruise Lines' measurable environmental targets to reduce fuel use, wastewater, water use and solid waste, along with ISO 14001 certification, illustrate your exemplary environmental performance."

Princess Cruises

Port of Seattle stated: "Princess Cruises demonstrated a variety of environmental stewardship efforts that exceed regulations and industry standards. Princess Cruises' use of shore power, fuel efficiency measures, wastewater management, water conservation practices, waste reduction/recycling, environmentally preferable purchasing, and ISO 14001 certification illustrate your exemplary environmental performance."

Royal Caribbean International

Port of Seattle said: "Royal Caribbean Cruises demonstrated a variety of environmental stewardship efforts that exceed regulations and industry standards. Your application shows impressive measurable results in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water use and waste generation. Additionally, wastewater management, chemical controls, and ISO 14001 certification illustrate Royal Caribbean Cruises' exemplary environmental performance."