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Norway's Farstad Shipping has been awarded the Heyerdahl Award 2009 for its commitment to improving the environmental standards in the shipping industry. The award was delivered by King Harald V of Norway during the opening session of the Nor-Shipping trade fair in Oslo.

The innovative fuel efficiency technology implemented to the company's newbuilds was said to be the main factor behind the jury's decision.

Farstad Shipping has over the years invested heavily in environmental friendly solutions for its new ships. The two vessels mentioned by the jury were the construction support vessel Far Samson and the platform supply vessel Far Serenade, both vessels delivered to Farstad Shipping in March 2009.

"Farstad Shipping works by a thorough, innovative and proactive environmental policy, and takes their environmental responsibility very seriously," said managing director of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association, Sturla Henriksen. "Clearly the winner has undertaken measures which enhance environmental protection," he said.

"We are very honored to be publicly recognized for our work to reduce the environmental impact of our business," said Karl-Johan Bakken, CEO of Farstad Shipping ASA. "This award will definitely encourage us to undertake further efforts and reach further environmental achievements in the future," he added.