The SEA Award, led by the UK Port of Dover, has been awarded to NYK’s ‘Asuka II’, with ‘Seabourn Ovation’ and ‘Viking Venus’ also scoring highly.
This award is a key element of Dover’s aim to become 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.
‘Asuka II’, 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 Dover’s ambition to de-carbonise 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 join cruise ships when in port to advise on the best processes and efficiencies to create a safe and sustainable operation.
Megan Turner, the port’s Environment and Sustainability Manager, 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,” she said.
SEA Award is claimed to be the only accolade of its kind in the industry and involves every ship arriving at Dover from around 25 different cruise lines.
Last year, the Kent port welcomed 21 different cruise lines and six inaugural calls, with several weekends seeing three cruise ships berthed simultaneously.
During the high season, up to 8,000 cruise guests explored the local area and attractions on the busiest weekends. There are plans for cruise terminal enhancents through the 2050 programme to reflect Dover as a leading global tourist destination.
Doug Bannister, Port of Dover CEO, said: “I’m delighted to see us well on our way to delivering the first chapter of our journey to 2050.
“There are some shining examples across the whole port showing operational excellence, support for the skills of tomorrow, and us spearheading the reduction of carbon emissions in the maritime industry through our environment and sustainability initiatives.
“There was a huge improvement in border processing time this year, which meant that our community remained clear of queuing traffic all summer and our ferry customers enjoyed a quicker journey and better experience.
“Plus, our ever-growing waterfront brought local, national and international communities together to experience the wonders of the Kent coast, with new events and attractions added.
“2024 has highlighted our vital role in supporting national growth in many ways. My thanks go to our team, partners, local community and customers for helping us to deliver a brilliant year and shaping our future,” he said.
Dover’s cruise season is due to start next month and will include eight inaugural calls and seven operators who will utilise the port as an embarkation hub.
Iain Baillie, Vice President of international sales at Carnival Cruise Line, said: “Cruising from Dover opens up a wealth of opportunities for guests and at Carnival Cruise Line we are delighted to offer a range of itineraries in 2025 on ‘Carnival Miracle’.
“The Port of Dover has fantastic transport links to and from London and the cruise terminals offer a seamless and efficient embarkation and disembarkation process. Additionally, guests visiting Dover can explore the local area, which is full of exciting activities and sights, not least Dover Castle and the White Cliffs.
“’Carnival Legend’ will also sail out of Dover in 2026, demonstrating our long-term commitment to the port,” he said.
Doug Glenwright, Guest Experience Director at Fred.Olsen Cruise Lines, added: “We’re excited for our beautiful smaller-sized ship ’Borealis’ to return to the Port of Dover on 28th May this year, offering six cruises to a range of breathtaking destinations including the Norwegian Fjords, Croatia, the Azores and Iceland.
“Guests will have a range of incredible options, including the chance to discover flower cultivation and pineapple growing in Madeira, enjoy cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Bay of Kotor and, perfect for first-time cruisers, experience the beauty and splendour of the Norwegian fjords in just five nights – all from the convenience of a regional UK departure port, with connections to London in just over one hour,” he said.
