SEATTLE, Oct. 18, 2007 - Holland America Line, along with Krystallon, a subsidiary of BP, recently won the 2007 Seatrade Insider Environmental Initiative Award for their innovative emission reduction technology installed on the ms Zaandam.

The emission reduction technology on the ms Zaandam has been installed in cooperation with several United States and Canadian government and regulatory agencies. Holland America Line launched the technology demonstration project, to show the feasibility of using sea water to "scrub," or reduce, engine emissions on oceangoing vessels. Following several future months of collecting and studying the data, the study could dramatically change not only the cruise industry but the entire maritime industry by reducing ship engine emissions.

"It is very satisfying to be recognized for our leadership and making great strides with regard to the environment," said Stein Kruse, president and CEO. "This is an important project in working together with private and governmental organizations to find mutually beneficial advancements for our industry. We look forward to analyzing the data to see if this technology can be effectively applied to the operation of cruise vessels."

"We are very pleased at being recognized for developing this innovative technology," said Andy Osbourne, business development director, Krystallon. "We see a great potential for the scrubber in the future of the cruise industry and shipping to reduce emissions."

The sea water scrubber system, developed by Krystallon, a subsidiary of BP, uses the natural chemistry of seawater to remove virtually all sulfur oxide (SOx) as well as significantly reduce particulate matter emissions. The sea water is then treated to remove harmful components prior to being discharged back overboard.

The price tag tops more than $1.5 million and includes assistance of $300,000 from an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/West Coast Collaborative grant and a $100,000 contribution from Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Other support for the project comes from the Port of Seattle, the Port of Vancouver and the B. C. Clean Air Research Fund, as well as Krystallon. Each government agency has representatives serving on a technical advisory committee that oversees the development of this project.

Holland America Line demonstrates its commitment to responsible environmental practices through a comprehensive fleetwide program that emphasizes compliance with all international environmental guidelines, waste reduction and recycling. The premium line has a history of embracing new environmental technologies such as state-of-the-art water treatment systems, shore power while ships are in port, and an internationally-recognized whale strike avoidance program.