ACA member line among the world's most ethical companies
Holland America Line was recognized in 2012 as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute, the leading business ethics think-tank.
Out of a record number of nominations for the award, Holland America secured its spot on the list by implementing and maintaining upright business practices and initiatives that are instrumental to the company’s success, benefit the community and raise the bar for ethical standards within the industry.
Holland America Line also earned the coveted Ethics Inside® Certification from the Ethisphere Institute in December. The cruise line completed the certification process in 2011 and was awarded certification for 2012-2013. Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Ethics Officer Kelly Clark accepted the 2012 World’s Most Ethical Companies awards at an event in New York on March 15, 2012. “We received an extremely high score for a first-time submission when we applied for Ethics Inside Certification,” Clark said. “To be recognized with these back-to-back honors is a reflection of our commitment to ethics.”
Read about the methodology and view the complete list of the 2012 World’s Most Ethical Companies at http://www.ethisphere.com/wme. Information on Holland America’s sustainability initiatives can be found at www.hollandamerica.com.
Safety
The ACA member lines have staged oil spill response equipment throughout Southeast Alaska. The program, first begun in 1999, consists of five sets of oil spill response barges and clean-up materials, and is operated by SEAPRO (South East Alaska Petroleum Response Organization). The equipment is available for response to spills from any source and was used in a state ferry grounding in 2005. The lines pay SEAPRO for the maintenance, operation and insurance for the barges.
The cruise industry maintains an excellent safety record. According to the U.S. Coast Guard, cruising today is one of the safest modes of transportation, but the industry is constantly striving to improve its safety procedures. Over the past two decades, an estimated 90 million passengers safely enjoyed a cruise vacation. In 1996, the U.S. Coast Guard conducted a comprehensive safety study that concluded the cruise industry is the safest form of commercial transportation and that international safety initiatives being undertaken should further improve its safety record.
A few years ago, the commander of the U.S. Coast Guard’s 17th District commended the Alaska Cruise Association member lines for “preventing accidents that may result in injuries to personnel and damage to the environment and property.”
In a letter, Rear Admiral A.E. Brooks commented on the fact that there were no personnel injuries and no significant marine causalities during the 2008 season.
“This is an especially noteworthy accomplishment when you consider that cruise ships plying Alaskan waters conducted over 2,300 port calls,” the admiral wrote. “The success of this season is directly attributable to the professionalism, knowledge and team work of the … Association and its members. Our valuable partnership, which relies on open communication with a clear focus on safety and prevention, also helps to ensure the safety of cruise ship passengers and crew members while protecting the Alaskan environment.”