FMC Chairman’s Earth Day Award Recognizes Efforts of Royal Caribbean CEO

Contact: Karen V. Gregory, Secretary (202-523-5725)

Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Mario Cordero announced today that the Chairman’s Earth Day Award will recognize the environmental efforts of Richard D. Fain. Mr. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. has sought to increase environmental stewardship through innovations in vessel technology, onboard practices and an ongoing partnership with the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science (RSMAS). The FMC Chairman’s Earth Day Award highlights technologies, programs, or practices of the maritime transportation industry that, through efficiency or innovation, benefit the environment.

“As a corporate leader, Mr. Fain is engaged in the technical innovations that Royal Caribbean is utilizing to set aggressive environmental goals for emissions, wastewater treatment and recycling. Also, the University of Miami and Royal Caribbean have a cooperative effort to conduct ocean, meteorological and climate research onboard Royal Caribbean vessels. This innovative academic and private program is part of a long term scientific effort to collect important climate data for the benefit of the global ocean environment. I want to acknowledge their shared success so far and their continued efforts in these areas,” said Chairman Cordero.

Chairman Cordero also highlighted Mr. Fain’s support of Royal Caribbean’s work with RSMAS scientists to advance bilge water treatment technologies and the cruise line’s recent progresses in reducing their greenhouse gas footprint, as well as a 19% reduction in fuel consumption from 2005 levels. Additionally, Chairman Cordero recognized the establishment of the Ocean Fund by Royal Caribbean, which since 1996, has given over $12 million to more than 70 organizations around the world for projects that relate to ocean science, marine species preservation, and innovative technologies. The Ocean Fund also provides for the direct support of oceanographic and meteorological observation systems onboard Royal Caribbean vessels.

The Federal Maritime Commission is the federal agency responsible for regulating the nation’s international ocean transportation industry for the benefit of exporters, importers, and the American consumer. The Commission’s Maritime Environmental Committee advises the Chairman and the Commission on sustainable shipping practices, environment-related agreements and operational initiatives, and encourages the creation of green jobs in the maritime industry.