Ambassador Program

Companies that rely on ocean freight, or work in the industry have an important role! Raise awareness and demonstrate demand for marine biodiversity and environmental protection.

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What is the Ambassador Program?

The ambassador program supports and highlights companies that work with participating shipping lines and advance further adoption of responsible shipping practices for safer whales, cleaner air and a quieter ocean.

Many shipping companies are stepping up by voluntarily reducing speeds. By expressing support and demonstrating demand for these efforts, ambassadors help increase cooperation and enrollment across the industry.

Program At A Glance

By incentivizing shipping lines to participate in voluntary vessel speed reduction, BWBS helps protect endangered whales, reduces criteria air pollutants, ocean noise, and regional greenhouse gas emissions. When companies and consumers - who all ultimately rely on ocean freight - amplify and show support for these efforts, shipping companies are more motivated to cooperate, resulting in greater environmental benefits.

Photo: Jess Morten/NOAA

Ambassador Program Requirements

  • Ship, or work with at least one of our participating line​s.
  • Sign the participation agreement and grant BWBS use of logo.
  • Communicate annually with shipping lines to either express appreciation for their high cooperation rates, or to encourage enrollment and stronger performance.
  • Highlight program participation in relevant communications, website and social media to help amplify responsible shipping opportunities. ​

Program Benefits

  • Verified data on shipping line performance
  • Analysis and reporting on the environmental benefits of participating shipping line efforts in terms of: reduced emissions, noise and air pollution, and fatal strike risk reduction.
  • Opportunities to leverage your brand and followers to help protect marine biodiversity and air quality.
  • Communications resources, tools and media features.

Make a Difference

A simple way to support more sustainable shipping that reduces ship strike risk to endangered whales, air and noise pollution, and regional greenhouse gas emissions.

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In 2024, participating vessels reduced the risk of fatal ship strikes to endangered whales by approximately 50%.
In 2024, participating vessels helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 49,000 metric tons.
International Shipping Companies voluntarily participated in the program during 2024 the Season. Over the course of the program over 1,596,008 nautical miles have been traveled at whale-safer speeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our FAQ’s and feel free to contact becca@californiamsf.org with any questions.

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What is a voluntary Speed Reduction Zone?

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Why is the Blue Whales Blue Skies Program important?

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How can I contribute as a brand/company/port?

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How do I apply to be an ambassador?

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Is my company eligible to be an Ambassador?

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What if I use expedited shipping services?

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Do I need to change my shipping contracts?

Two humpback whales swimming in clear blue ocean water, close to the surface.

Take The Next Step

Become an ambassador and support more sustainable shipping that reduces ship strike risk to endangered whales, air and noise pollution, and regional greenhouse gas emissions.

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