29 January 2025
The SEA Award, led by the Port of Dover, has been awarded to NYK’s Asuka II, with Seabourn Ovation and Viking Venus also scoring highly. The project is a key element of Dover’s drive to be the first UK port to reach carbon net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by the end of this year and increase recycling rates.
The vessel, which is Japan’s largest cruise ship, received an overall score of 99% for excellent environmental waste awareness, a high level of recycling compared to category 1 waste, and low CO₂ emissions per nautical mile.
A dedicated environment and safety team is leading the Port’s ambition to decarbonise the world’s busiest maritime corridor, which will have a huge impact on the UK’s drive to net zero shipping by 2050. The team often joins cruise lines onboard their vessels when in port to advise on the best processes and efficiencies that create a safe and sustainable operation.
Megan Turner, Environment and Sustainability Manager at the Port of Dover said:
“Our congratulations go to NYK, Seabourn and Viking for receiving the best scores for 2024. Thank you to all our cruise lines for working with us on this important initiative once again. We see higher scores each year and I’m delighted to celebrate different vessels at the top.
“The SEA Award has been going strong for eight years already, and with a wider variety of cruise ships visiting from all over the world, it has never been so important for us to work in partnership and shape a more sustainable future together.”
The SEA Award is the only accolade of its kind in the industry and involves every ship sailing into Dover from around 25 different cruise lines. As a trust port, Dover takes pride in setting an example to its global stakeholders, partners and communities to help create an environment that keeps people and the economy thriving.