Holland America Line Wins USCG Eco Award

Holland America Line receives second Benkert Award for its marine environmental initiatives as U.S. Coast Guard award recognizes line's fleetwide efforts

 At a recent ceremony, Holland America Line was presented a gold 2012 Rear Admiral William M. Benkert Environmental Protection Award from the U.S. Coast Guard in recognition of the line's environmental leadership and for successfully achieving several environmental objectives established by the company that exceed standard regulation.

U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Robert Papp presented the award to Michael Inman, director, system management and program development, Safety and Environmental Management Systems for Holland America Line. The company first received the biennial award in 2010.

The U.S. Coast Guard Benkert Award was bestowed by a panel of experts based on a thorough review of the line's comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. Besides the prestige associated with the Benkert Award, the award application process offers a venue for the creative exchange of ideas and innovations, and heightens awareness and underscores the innovation required to achieve environmental excellence.

The Benkert Award objectives include:
    •    Improving the environmental performance and overall quality of marine transportation–related companies through a detailed self-assessment process against award standards.
    •    Encouraging the use of the international environmental management protocol developed by the International Standards Organization.
    •    Increasing public awareness of the importance of protecting the marine environment and delicate marine ecosystems.
    •    Providing a means for sharing with other marine enterprises successful methods and techniques used by the winners.