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Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd., the world's second-largest cruise company, has been announced as the recipient of this year's Marine Environment Protection Award by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA).

Commenting on the news, Jamie Sweeting, vice president of Environmental Stewardship, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., said: "We are delighted that the North American Marine Environment Protection Association has awarded Royal Caribbean with the 2011 Marine Environment Protection Award. Royal Caribbean is dedicated to helping to protect the marine environment, and we are committed to caring for the unique and beautiful places we visit throughout the world. It is an honor to be recognized by NAMEPA for our commitment to protect, conserve and support the environment."

The NAMEPA Marine Environment Protection Award is given in recognition of an individual or organization’s efforts on behalf of preserving the marine environment as exemplified by a commitment to a programme which has specific objectives set for environmental performance and improvement, and which is innovative and goes beyond minimum environmental compliance. Eligible candidates include members of the commercial maritime industry, government agencies, and individuals and submissions are judged by the organization’s Board of Directors against the criteria behind the award.

Comments from the judges included "RCL's efforts to educate their passengers through their comprehensive 'Save the Waves' program deserves special attention", "Save the Waves program is changing 'Hearts and Minds'...and preserving the marine environment for future generations to enjoy"; "RCL's robust fuel consumption reduction and waste recycling programs have yield excellent results in reduced in GHG and shoreside disposal"; "RCL’s commitment and efforts in protecting the environment clearly follow the ABCs...Above Basic Compliance."

The first NAMEPA Marine Environment Protection Award was presented three years ago posthumously to the founder of the MEPA movement, George P. Livanos, who created HELMEPA 28 years ago due to his interest and concern for the marine environment. In 2009, the NAMEPA Award was presented to the United States Coast Guard and last year to liner company APL.

The North American Marine Environment Protection Association was officially launched in 2007. NAMEPA is a maritime industry led initiative which engages businesses, government and the public to 'Save our Seas' by promoting sound environmental practices.