APL named Sustainable Shipping Operator of the Year for 2010

London, 30 June 2010: Global container carrier APL has been named the 2010 Sustainable Shipping Operator of the Year. A panel of maritime and environmental experts presented the honor here last week at the Sustainable Shipping Awards.

APL, the world’s fourth-largest ocean carrier, took the award from a list of finalists including Caribbean Cruise Lines, CMA, Louis Cruise Lines, and Maersk Lines. The judging panel said it selected APL for the combination of initiatives, positive proven results and their conscientious ongoing effort.

Awards were given in six categories of maritime sustainability. APL was the only ocean carrier to be honored.

“The recognition is gratifying and we appreciate that our efforts to curb the environmental impact of global trade have been noticed,” said APL President Eng Aik Meng. “But we understand that the industry has much more to do, and we accept the responsibility that comes with this honor.”

In making its award decision, judges reviewed a list of APL environmental protection initiatives undertaken in 2010. The list includes:

retrofitting five container ships for cold-ironing, which will enable them to shut down auxiliary diesel engines in port;
constructing shore-power capability at its Oakland, California marine terminal to cold-iron vessels;
slowing down vessels at sea to reduce fuel use and emissions;
testing a ballast water treatment system to prevent the spread of invasive species into waterways; and
introducing a new website that addresses the environmental challenges facing container shipping.
APL said it continues with ongoing environmental efforts that include new engine technology to reduce emissions, fuel conservation measures ranging from friction-reducing hull paint to coastal zone speed reduction, and low-sulfur fuel use in vessels at U.S. West Coast ports.


View APL’s environmental website at http://www.apl.com/environment/

About APL
APL is a global container shipping business offering more than 60 weekly services and more than 500 calls at more than 140 ports worldwide. It combines world-class intermodal operations with leading-edge IT and e-commerce. APL is a unit of Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), global shipping, logistics and marine terminals company. APL Web site: www.apl.com

Media inquiries
Mike Zampa
Telephone: (65) 6371 5022
michael_zampa@apl.com