In spite of the increasing challenges faced in 2010 as a result of the global economic downturn, several cruise lines have "seized an opportunity this year to advance eco-friendly initiatives such as shore power," according to Port Metro Vancouver.
The announcement comes as the Island Princess set sail from Canada Place in Vancouver on Monday marking the end of the 2010 cruise season.
The Island Princess is one of four Princess ships, in addition to two Holland America ships, that have connected to the new shore power facilities at Canada Place this season.
"Today Port Metro Vancouver celebrates key cruise industry achievements in sustainability and looks toward renewed growth in 2011 when the Disney Wonder home ports in Vancouver for its inaugural Alaska season," the port said.
Port Metro Vancouver, the Government of Canada, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and BC Hydro joined together to invest $9 million in providing shore power at Canada Place.
"We are pleased to bring new and innovative sustainability programs to our port, and to work with industry leaders to reduce their carbon footprint here in Vancouver. This shore power initiative alone has reduced almost 3000 tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2010," said Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer of Port Metro Vancouver
During the 2010 cruise season, Port Metro Vancouver welcomed 177 calls, including 44 shore power connections, and more than 570,000 passengers.
The port added that in addition to shorepower ,another important sustainable port initiative this year has been the revitalised EcoAction for Shipping Program and the Blue Circle Awards.
The programme represents Port Metro Vancouver's user friendly financial incentive for vessels to reduce air emissions. The Blue Circle Awards honour the best examples of sustainable shipping.
The 2009 Blue Circle Award winners include: Holland America Line, Hapag-Lloyd (Canada) Inc., "K" Line Canada Ltd., Maersk Canada Inc., Princess Cruises, Regent Cruise Line, Seaboard International Shipping Company Limited, SilverSea Cruises and Westwood Shipping Lines.
"Long-term sustainability is a top priority for Port Metro Vancouver," said Silvester.
"We are proud of the strong and long-standing relationship that both Princess Cruises and Holland America Line have with the port and community in Vancouver" added Charlie Ball, President, Holland America/Princess - Alaska Land Operations.
The announcement comes as the Island Princess set sail from Canada Place in Vancouver on Monday marking the end of the 2010 cruise season.
The Island Princess is one of four Princess ships, in addition to two Holland America ships, that have connected to the new shore power facilities at Canada Place this season.
"Today Port Metro Vancouver celebrates key cruise industry achievements in sustainability and looks toward renewed growth in 2011 when the Disney Wonder home ports in Vancouver for its inaugural Alaska season," the port said.
Port Metro Vancouver, the Government of Canada, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and BC Hydro joined together to invest $9 million in providing shore power at Canada Place.
"We are pleased to bring new and innovative sustainability programs to our port, and to work with industry leaders to reduce their carbon footprint here in Vancouver. This shore power initiative alone has reduced almost 3000 tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2010," said Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer of Port Metro Vancouver
During the 2010 cruise season, Port Metro Vancouver welcomed 177 calls, including 44 shore power connections, and more than 570,000 passengers.
The port added that in addition to shorepower ,another important sustainable port initiative this year has been the revitalised EcoAction for Shipping Program and the Blue Circle Awards.
The programme represents Port Metro Vancouver's user friendly financial incentive for vessels to reduce air emissions. The Blue Circle Awards honour the best examples of sustainable shipping.
The 2009 Blue Circle Award winners include: Holland America Line, Hapag-Lloyd (Canada) Inc., "K" Line Canada Ltd., Maersk Canada Inc., Princess Cruises, Regent Cruise Line, Seaboard International Shipping Company Limited, SilverSea Cruises and Westwood Shipping Lines.
"Long-term sustainability is a top priority for Port Metro Vancouver," said Silvester.
"We are proud of the strong and long-standing relationship that both Princess Cruises and Holland America Line have with the port and community in Vancouver" added Charlie Ball, President, Holland America/Princess - Alaska Land Operations.