Recognizing Industry Leadership through Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program
On Earth Day, California's coast celebrated important achievements that help both coastal areas and marine life. On April 22, the Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) program kicked off the 2026 voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Season, which now applies along the entire California coast as outlined in California Assembly Bill 14. This bill was created by Assemblymember Gregg Hart and signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom last year.
The kickoff event also included a gathering near the Port of Oakland for the annual BWBS Awards Ceremony. Leaders from various shipping lines, public agencies, and nonprofits came together to acknowledge the verified efforts of shipping companies in responsible shipping practices during the 2025 Season. The ceremony featured awards for the top-performing shipping lines and ambassadors, and Assemblymember Hart was honored for his leadership and support towards making the waters safer for whales, improving air quality, and reducing ocean noise.
“When industry leaders and public partners collaborate, we send a strong message: protecting our oceans and boosting our economy can go hand in hand,” said Assemblymember Hart. “Through the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies program, California is not just taking part; we are setting the benchmark.”
“I want to congratulate the shipping lines that participated in the 2025 program,” stated Aeron Arlin Genet, Executive Director of the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District, which helped launch the program. “These companies are proud of the positive environmental impact their voluntary actions can make, safeguarding both whale populations and public health. It was thrilling to celebrate their accomplishments with Assemblymember Gregg Hart, whose diligent leadership with AB 14 allowed this remarkable program to expand across the state.”
During the ceremony, attendees reviewed the results of the 2025 Season. For the first time, panel discussions featured shipping lines, program ambassadors, and whale conservation leaders from organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, University of Washington, Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory, and the California Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
MSC received the Sustained Leadership Award, recognized as the most reliable top performer in the program's 11-year history, and shared a video highlighting their commitment to protecting endangered whale populations. Representatives from MSC, CMA CGM, CSL Americas, and NYK Line—leading companies in the container, car carrier, and bulk carrier categories—discussed their initiatives to enhance biodiversity and air quality.
“We at NYK Line are thrilled to receive the sapphire award once again. This recognition is a result of the tremendous effort from our teams both locally and abroad,” said Jack Duesler, Operations Manager of NYK Line RORO Division.
“CMA CGM has been part of the Blue Whales Blue Skies Program for the last six years. This initiative is important to us and deeply ingrained in our values…In the 2025 season, we proudly achieved a cooperation grade of 99%, translating to over 60,000 nautical miles traveled at whale-safe speeds off California. We're passionate about this work and happy to be involved in such a meaningful program,” commented John Roehl, U.S. West Coast Director of Marine Operations at CMA CGM.
Company ambassadors like JAS Worldwide, Nomad, STAX Engineering, and The Block Logistics shared their experiences in supporting responsible supply chains, expressed their optimism, and discussed how they are navigating current challenges.
“What inspires me is seeing tangible progress as companies take sustainability seriously—there's nothing quite like witnessing STAX’s emissions capture system work in real time to filter pollution from a 40,000-ton cargo ship,” said Jaimi Klein, Head of Marketing at STAX Engineering.
“JAS is proud to be recognized as a BWBS Sapphire ambassador for the second year in a row. We remain dedicated to collaborating with our customers, carriers, and partners while honoring the oceans that sustain life on Earth,” commented Andrea Goeman, SVP Global QHSE & Sustainability at JAS Worldwide.