Port of Dover wins Sustainability Initiative of the Year at the Seatrade Cruise Awards 2026 for its carbon net-zero campaign

The Port of Dover has been officially recognised as a global leader in sustainability at the Seatrade Cruise Awards milestone 20^th anniversary celebrations. The Awards were judged by an independent panel of experts, trailblazers and visionaries shaping the cruise industry and had a record number of entries.

The Port’s pioneering carbon net-zero campaign saw it reach its ambitious goal to become the first net-zero UK port (for Scope 1 and 2 emissions) by the end of 2025.  

Kent was also recognised as a world-class cruise destination in a separate category, with Excursions Ltd winning Innovative Shorex of the Year for their Whitstable Oyster Farm, from Beach to Table tour.

Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have won this award, and to receive recognition from global cruise experts both for the amazing work that’s taking place here to lead the sustainability drive within the maritime industry, and for Kent as a hugely popular cruise destination with world-class excursions.

“As a major homeporting and transit hub with passenger numbers growing, delivering our operations sustainably is vital to the continuing success of the Dover cruise business.

“Congratulations to all our teams across the Port of Dover, particularly our environment team led by Megan Turner.”

The Port of Dover faced tough competition in the Sustainability of the Year category alongside finalists Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings – Sailing for Nature: Biodiversity Programme Alaska, MSC Cruises x ORCA Partnership – Marine Mammal Observer Sailing Onboard and Virgin Voyages – Impact Squad, Crew Volunteer Programme.

Beyond the Port’s net-zero achievement, it has implemented a range of other environmental initiatives, notably its longstanding Safety and Environment Awareness Award (SEA award) which in its tenth year, has championed improvements in waste management and CO2 emissions by cruise lines.

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 also an award-winning cruise port, delivering world class travel and visitor experiences to over 20 cruise lines each year. With a growing and diversifying cargo business operating from state-of-the-art facilities, a new marina which is a major feature of the exciting waterfront development, and opportunities for further expansion in the future, Dover’s proud history dating back 400 years has a new modern twist.