NYK Awarded 'Global Environment Prize' - Introduction of New Environmental Technology to Maritime Transport Highly Evaluated
April 15, 2005
Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) was awarded the Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) Chairman's Prize at the '14th Global Environment Grand Prize' award ceremony sponsored by Fuji Sankei Group, held in Tokyo on April 14, 2005. The ceremony commends companies that contribute to environmental conservation activities which promote industry developments in harmony with the global environment. NYK is the first maritime transport company to be awarded the Chairman's Prize.
With Prince and Princess Akishinonomiya in attendance, NYK President Koji Miyahara was awarded the prize by Mr. Akira Chihaya, Vice Chairman of Nippon Keidanren.
According to Mr. Gaishi Hiraiwa, Chairman of the Prize Selection Committee, NYK received this award due to its 'Ecoship' car carrier, with the world's largest wind-turbine generator, which went into service last year. The Ecoship reduces ballast water which stabilizes the hull by half, thus improving transport efficiency, and focuses on the protection of marine ecosystems. Furthermore, the Company is highly regarded for engaging in the development and introduction of new environmental technology for the maritime transport industry including, for example, a ship design for reducing wind-resistance.
NYK is strongly committed to maintaining safety for maritime transport, as well as enhancing and promoting countermeasures for environmental conservation from the perspective of both software (know-how) and hardware (equipment).