Enroll Your Fleet
Join a growing movement of industry leaders—enroll your fleet to reduce the risk of whale strikes and ocean noise, improve air quality, and gain recognition for more sustainable shipping.
Photo: Bent Van Aeken
Why Enroll Your Fleet with Blue Whales Blue Skies?
By working together, we can maintain vibrant maritime commerce, enhance corporate responsibility, and protect human health and the marine environment. As a BWBS participating company you can:
- Receive third-party verified data on VSR performance, and analyses on the environmental benefits of cooperation including: coastal air quality and regional greenhouse gas emissions reductions; reduced risk of fatal strikes; and noise pollution reduction.
- Demonstrate your commitment to more sustainable shipping and biodiversity protection.
- Receive recognition on program's website, at events, and in media as part of the program's recognition campaign.
Participant Eligibility
Any company who operates container, car carrier, bulk cargo, or tanker vessels that pass through the Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) zones is eligible.
Each vessel transiting the VSR zones will have their speed verified via analysis of Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. If an enrolled company is unable to meet the minimum program criteria, there is no penalty but public recognition incentives will not be awarded.
A company must enroll to receive program incentives.
Steps To Enroll
To complete the enrollment process, please review the following forms and complete the steps below.
Step 1: Please review the following forms
Cover Letter
VSR Zone Map
Whale Sighting Form
Step 2: Complete the Participation Agreement, and return it to Jessica Morten at jessica.morten@noaa.gov and Danielle Alvarez at dalvarez@californiamsf.org
Hear From Our Participants
We asked our enrolled shipping lines for thoughts on the program. Here’s what they said:
“MSC’s values of collaboration, trust, and open communication have made our consistent success in this programme a reality. MSC is committed to protecting endangered whales and safeguarding the areas where they feed and migrate. We are very grateful to be an integral part of MSC’s worldwide efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. We look forward to continuing to work with the BWBS team and local partners by minimizing the way our operations impact whale habitats.”
Stanley Kwiaton; Regional Manager of West Coast Port Operations at MSC
”At Yang Ming, we recognize our responsibility to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable shipping practices. That’s why we are proud to continue our participation in the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, an initiative that delivers both environmental and social benefits while helping to safeguard a stable and biodiverse future. This effort aligns with our Protecting Biodiversity and Zero Net Deforestation Commitment announced in 2024, further reinforcing our dedication to sustainability. Every step counts toward building a better future. In partnership with NOAA, we are taking meaningful action to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our oceans for generations to come.”
James Jeng, Chief Marine Technology Officer at Yang Ming
“Swire Shipping recognizes that responsible stewardship of biodiversity is important to maintaining a resilient marine environment, and we are conscious of the role that we can play to safeguard marine ecosystems in the areas where we operate. In the seven years since we joined the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies programme, we are proud to have received the highest-tiered Sapphire Award for six consecutive years. It is very encouraging to see the positive impact the programme has had on biodiversity along the California coast, and we look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts within the industry.”
Neil Carraher, Regional Commercial Manager at Swire Shipping
Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not answered here or on our site, please contact us to discuss further!
Enroll Your Fleet
The 2025 season of Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies is now underway. Join our conservation efforts today by enrolling in the 2025 season.
Photo: Jess Morten ©2016 NOAA