Safer Whales,
Cleaner Air, and a
Quieter Ocean
Together, we’re reducing the environmental impact of shipping in areas where whales, coastal communities, and commerce intersect.
Photo: Adam Ernster
What we do
Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) is a voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) program incentivizing shipping participants to reduce ship strike risk to whales, underwater noise, emissions, and air pollution by voluntarily transiting at 10 knots or less. BWBS independently verifies cooperation rates and environmental benefits and incentivizes further adoption of responsible shipping practices that protect marine biodiversity and coastal air quality.
Collaborative Partnerships to Protect Life on Earth
As Seen In
Creating Hope Along Our Coasts
Every day cargo ships transit along our coasts transporting goods we all rely on. By voluntarily reducing speeds to 10 knots or less in VSR zones, participating shipping lines help reduce the impact on our marine and coastal environment. Learn how.
Photo: Ralph Clevenger Wildlife
Reducing Ship Strikes
Ship strikes are a top threat to whales around the globe. Research shows that transiting at 10 knots or less significantly reduces the risk of fatal ship strikes.
Reducing Air Pollution & GHGs
Ocean-going vessels can contribute a significant portion of smog-forming air pollution affecting coastal communities. Speed reduction measurably reduces these emissions.
Reducing Underwater Noise
Many marine animals, including whales, rely on sound for essential life functions such as communication, navigation, and foraging.
By The Numbers
In 2024, participating vessels reduced the risk of fatal ship strikes to endangered whales by approximately 50%.
Photo: Dustin Harris
In 2024, participating vessels helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 49,000 metric tons.
Photo: Rinson Chory
What’s At Stake
Working together to tackle pressing issues for whales and our coastal communities.
Ship Strikes to Endangered Whales
Ship strikes are one of the main threats to endangered whales. An estimated 80 whales a year are struck and killed by shipping vessels off the U.S. West Coast.
Photo: Greg Sanders
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Maritime shipping accounts for approximately three percent of global CO2 emissions. Reducing ship speeds can decrease critical air pollution in key areas and emissions by about 27% from baseline.
Photo: Katie Abbott Photography
Underwater Noise
Anthropogenic (human-made) activities, including commercial shipping, introduce noise pollution at concerning levels to marine environments and pose life-threatening challenges for marine life.
Photo: Christian Palmer
Take Action
Enroll your Fleet
Any company who operates container, car carrier, bulk cargo, or tanker vessels that pass through the Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Zones is eligible.
Photo: Ralph Clevenger Wildlife
Become An Ambassador
Companies that ship goods with, or work with, one or more participating shipping lines are eligible. This includes brands, retailers, ports, logistics, freight forwarders, and ship owners.
Get Involved
Supply chain practices matter for biodiversity and air quality. Consumers and companies have an important role to play in advancing responsible shipping practices for cleaner air, safer whales, and a quieter ocean.
Photo: Robert Schwemmer
The Latest
Read the latest news, reports, stories and see relevant resources created and gathered by our team.
Expanded VSR Zone and Higher Award Tier Thresholds for Greater Impact
September 22, 2025
Blue Whales Blue Skies Newsletter - Summer/Fall 2025
September 17, 2025
Local Assemblymember has six bills awaiting Governor’s signature to become law
September 16, 2025