For the second consecutive year, the Port Authorities of Venice have awarded Minoan Lines the environmental "Venice Blue Flag" award.
This prize recognizes Minoan Lines voluntary efforts in regard to the safeguarding and the protection of the Venice environment.
All this is reflected in the operation of the company's vessels, which transit the Venice lagoon, to reduce air emissions by utilizing low-sulfur fuel in consideration of the port's location in a historic environment. Embracing the philosophy of corporate responsibility and environmental awareness, Minoan Lines is highly recognised for its commitment to protect the artistic beauty, the unique architecture, the cultural nature and integrity of Venice, which has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.
Minoan Lines has long been committed to environmentally conscious practices, policies and initiatives placing the utmost importance on the respectful treatment of the environment in which it operates by complying with all local and international laws and regulations. In fact, the company's environmental management system for the "Sea Transportation of Passengers and Vehicles" has been certified to ISO 14001:2004 standard by Germanischer Lloyd, one of world's leading classification societies. This certification covers all the environmental activities of Minoan Lines' fleet, helping to minimize negative effects on the delicate equilibrium of the Venice lagoon ecosystem and the health of the city's population.
The management of Minoan Lines would like to express its pride and satisfaction for this important distinction which recognizes in the best possible way the company's fundamental safety principles for the protection of the environment.