Disney Cruise Line received the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority’s 2023 Blue Circle Award for its participation in the port’s voluntary EcoAction Program and Energy Action Initiative. These programs recognize members of the maritime industry that excel in environmental stewardship.
More than a Decade of Sustainability Honors
For 11 years in a row, Disney Cruise Line has received the Blue Circle Award, earning the special recognition every year since the Disney Wonder first called on the Vancouver port in 2011. The award recognizes companies that have invested in technologies and practices that meet or exceed regulatory requirements and that have the greatest fleet-wide participation in the EcoAction Program. The port recognized Disney Cruise Line for its investment in supporting a healthy environment through initiatives focused on reducing emissions, conserving water and minimizing waste.
Reducing Emissions with Shore Power Technology
One of the primary ways the Disney Wonder reduced emissions while calling on Vancouver was to rely on the port’s shore power technology. Shore power allows cruise ships to turn off their engines while docked and “plug in” to the port’s power source to run all onboard systems as normal. By connecting to shore power, the Disney Wonder saves fuel and reduces air emissions.
Supporting Disney’s 2030 Environmental Goals
Using shore power is one of many ways that Disney Cruise Line strives to minimize its impact on the environment in support of The Walt Disney Company’s 2030 environmental goals. For example, to power the fleet, the cruise line is investing in alternative fuels like liquefied natural gas (LNG) and hydrotreated vegetable oil, a renewable diesel made from recycled cooking oils and waste animal fats. In addition, Disney Cruise Line is actively exploring bio-LNG, green methanol and other fuel sources to encourage their development at scale within the maritime industry.
Also, Disney Cruise Line continues to work towards its goal of eliminating single use plastics by removing plastic straws and plastic bags from onboard merchandise locations, switching to refillable bath product dispensers in guest staterooms and replacing plastic water bottles with recyclable aluminum.
Learn more about Disney Cruise Line’s sustainability initiatives here.