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.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• The Port of Dover is closing the gap every day between the UK and the world by connecting trade, travel, visitors and communities locally-globally, collaborating with local and international partners to create a more seamless, sustainable and tech-enabled port.
• As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade, Dover handles £144 billion of trade per year, 33% of UK trade in goods with the EU and welcomes over 11 million passengers.
• Dover is an award-winning cruise port, delivering world class travel and visitor experiences to over 20 different cruise lines each year. With a growing and diversifying cargo business operating from state-of-the-art facilities, a new marina which is at the centre of the revived waterfront, plus opportunities for further expansion in the future, Dover’s proud history dating back 400 years has a new modern twist.