A Partnership for Safer Whales, Cleaner Air and a Quieter Ocean
Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies (BWBS) is a voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) verification and recognition program. Shipping participants help reduce ship strike risk to endangered whales, underwater noise, regional greenhouse gas emissions, and air pollution by voluntarily transiting at 10 knots or less in the VSR zones and season timeframe set by NOAA. BWBS independently verifies participants' cooperation rates, quantifies the environmental benefits of participation, and provides recognition to encourage further adoption of responsible shipping practices that help support and protect marine biodiversity, air quality, and coastal communities. Read more about our partnership here.
video credit:
Adam Ernster Wildlife
More about vessel speed reduction, program participants, and how and where the program operates.
Results related to reduced regional greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, fatal ship strike risk to endangered whales, and underwater noise.
The program collaborates with shipping carriers, retail brands, ports, logistics companies and freight forwarders to improve shipping sustainability.