By
Rebecca Gibson |
Crystal Cruises has been recognised by the Port of Los Angeles for its participation in the Vessel Speed Reduction Program (VSRP), which contributed to a significant reduction in environmental emissions and improved air quality around San Pedro Bay.
Both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony earned accolades for their pollution-reduction efforts while visiting LA last year.
“Our Crystal Clean ethos permeates all of our operations worldwide,” said William Boehm, Crystal’s director of marine compliance. “From greener approaches to sailing, to our Nothing Overboard policy and the You Care, We Care voluntourism programme, we are continually seeking opportunities to reduce our ecological impact and enhance environmental stewardship wherever we sail.”
The voluntary VSRP initiative is designed to reduce emissions from ocean-going vessels by slowing their speeds as they approach or depart the port at either 20 nautical miles from Point Fermin, or up to 40 nautical miles offshore.
It was established in 2001 and has resulted in significant decreases in diesel particulate matter, sulphur oxide (SOx) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions into the environment. The port pays incentives to shipping lines that achieve a 90 per cent or higher participation rate in VSRP in a calendar year.
In 2012, Los Angeles port achieved 100 per cent compliance for 543 vessels at 20 nautical miles and 386 vessels at 40 nautical miles. These voluntary actions helped reduce around 73 US tons of diesel particulate matter, as well as 740 US tons of SOx and 981 US tons of NOx emissions.
Crystal Cruises has previously received the Venice Blue Flag award, Stockholm’s Environmental Buoy Diploma and San Francisco’s Cruise Ship Environmental Award, in recognition of its environmental efforts.