Scorpio Takes Gold for Protecting Whales
The Western Coast of the United States
Taking you to the California coast, Scorpio is proud to be a part of the Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) program to protect the lives of endangered whales and lower pollution levels while sailing off the California coast. Organised by a partnership of federal and local government agencies, foundations, and environmental nonprofits, the VSR program is a voluntary initiative for container, bulk and fuel ships of 300 gross tons to reduce their speed to 10 knots or less while traversing the feeding and migration zones of the blue, fin and humpback whales, all listed on the endangered species list. The peak season for the migration is May to December, when the Pacific coastline is heavily populated with whales.
Since its inception in 2017, the program has gained participation year after year with 2023 having the best participation rates: 33 shipping companies participated, leading to the largest reduction of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) and whale strike mortality. Scorpio was awarded “Gold tier” for sailing 10 knots or less across 60% of our fleet.
In 2023, CA registered 27% less harmful chemical emissions and a 56% reduction in fatal whale strikes (compared to 2017).
2023 VSR program results:
- 1,205 tons of NOx emissions
- 45,000 metric tons GHGs saved from the atmosphere
- 58% fatal whale strikes
- 4 dB per transit (helps whales communicate)
The East Coast of the United States
NOAA Right Whale Corporate Responsibility Certification – Continuing on from our Gold-level rating for speed reduction off the coast of California, Scorpio Tankers Inc. has received another certification from authorities off the coast New England. Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the International Fund for Animal Welfare issued Certificates of Corporate Responsibility to both Scorpio Tankers, and to STI Esles II.
Our vessels were closely monitored while transiting the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, located off the coast of Massachusetts, USA, between January 1, 2023, and May 15, 2023. Vessels that complete the crossing through this endangered whale breeding ground with at least 90% > 10 knots, receive a Grade A certification.
STI ESLES II, under the command of Capt. Dmitriy Kozharin, achieved 99.2% compliance in 2023. The certificate issued is intended to be framed and hung proudly for their efforts at protecting our endangered North Atlantic Right Whale.
Well done to all the participating vessels, we encourage all our captains to support this initiative while crossing these protected zones.
