Farstad Shipping wins the 2009 Heyerdahl Award
In 1969 and 1970, the Norwegian adventurer and explorer Thor Heyerdahl crossed the Atlantic on the RA I and RA II papyrus rafts. While proving that a papyrus raft could have crossed the Atlantic in pre-Columbian times, Heyerdahl also made first hand observations of the world oceans becoming polluted. He made reports to the UN and was asked by the UN Secretary-General to make daily pollution observations during the Ra II voyage.
Farstad Shipping is the winner of the Heyerdahl Award 2009 for its commitment to improving the environmental standards in the shipping industry.
The innovative technical solutions implemented to the company’s newbuilds are the main factor behind the Jury’s decision. Farstad Shipping has over the years invested heavily in environmental friendly solutions for our new ships. The two vessels particularly mentioned by the jury are the construction support vessel Far Samson and the platform supply vessel Far Serenade, both vessels delivered to Farstad Shipping in March 2009.
“Farstad Shipping works by a thorough, innovative and proactive environmental policy, and takes their environmental responsibility very seriously, says managing director of Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Sturla Henriksen. – Clearly the winner has undertaken measures which enhance environmental protection”, he says.
“We are very honored to be publicly recognized for our work to reduce the environmental impact of our business”, says Karl-Johan Bakken, CEO of Farstad Shipping ASA. – This award will definitely encourage us to undertake further efforts and reach further environmental achievements in the future.
The Award was launched in 1999 by Thor Heyerdahl (1914 – 2002) and the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association. The first winner was presented in 2001.
In the Award’s statutes it is emphasised that the purpose of the Award is to contribute to an improvement of the global environment. Furthermore, the focus on the Award shall announce to all sections of society the environmental benefits of shipping as a mode of transport, and serve as an inspiration for the industry to implement new specific environmental measures.
The Heyerdahl Award inspires the maritime community world-wide to make an effort to improve the environment.
Source: www.heyerdahlaward.com.
