Port of Oakland recognized for effort to protect whales and the environment

The Port of Oakland will receive a special Gold Award by the organization Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) on April 22 for participation in the 2025 Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Season. The Port joined BWBS last year as one of its Program Ambassadors to help protect migrating whales and coastal air quality. Ambassadors work with participating shipping lines and help encourage greater industry participation in voluntary efforts that reduce fatal strike risk to endangered whales, air and underwater noise pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

BWBS is a voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) verification and recognition program, formed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Sanctuaries, Bay Area Air District and California coastal county-based air pollution control districts. Participating shipping companies’ fleets travel at 10 knots (11.5 mph) or less in the VSR zones from May to December, which coincides with peak ozone and endangered whale presence. Traveling at decreased speeds significantly reduces whale and environmental impacts.

“The Port of Oakland is pleased to be recognized with a Blue Whales Blue Skies Gold Award,” said Port of Oakland Environmental Director Colleen Liang. “Participating as an ambassador is another example of our commitment to improving air quality for our local community and the livelihood of marine ecosystems. We encourage all our shipping partners to join the program and want to express our gratitude on their efforts in making positive impacts towards a more sustainable maritime industry.”

As an ambassador, the Port of Oakland helps raise awareness of the program and encourages full participation from all shipping lines calling the Port. Carriers CMA CGM, MSC, Evergreen, Cosco, Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai, Maersk, ONE, Wan Hai, and Yang Ming‒which represents 82% of all vessel calls to the Port of Oakland last year‒participate in the program. The port award level is determined by the percent of calls by participating shipping lines.

“Blue Whales and Blue Skies is proud to recognize the Port of Oakland as a Gold ambassador for the 2025 Season,” said Becca Tucker, BWBS Director of Corporate Engagement. “This recognition reflects the high percentage of calls to the port by shipping lines who voluntarily transit at whale-safer speeds to protect endangered and threatened whales and air quality during the Vessel Speed Reduction Season. The Port's role as an ambassador is critical to how BWBS celebrates industry leadership and broadens awareness on responsible shipping practices.”

The Port of Oakland will receive the special Gold Award recognition at a BWBS awards ceremony on Earth Day, April 22, in Jack London Square.