21 September 2026
The Port of Dover has been officially recognised as a global leader in sustainability at the Seatrade Cruise Awards milestone 20th anniversary celebrations. The Awards were judged by an independent panel of experts, trailblazers and visionaries shaping the cruise industry and had a record number of entries.
The Port’s pioneering carbon net-zero campaign saw it reach its ambitious goal to become the first net-zero UK port (for Scope 1 and 2 emissions) by the end of 2025.
Kent was also recognised as a world-class cruise destination in a separate category, with Excursions Ltd winning Innovative Shorex of the Year for their Whitstable Oyster Farm, from Beach to Table tour.
Peter Wright, Head of Cruise at the Port of Dover said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this award, and to receive recognition from global cruise experts both for the amazing work that’s taking place here to lead the sustainability drive within the maritime industry, and for Kent as a hugely popular cruise destination with world-class excursions.
“As a major homeporting and transit hub with passenger numbers growing, delivering our operations sustainably is vital to the continuing success of the Dover cruise business.
“Congratulations to all our teams across the Port of Dover, particularly our environment team led by Megan Turner.”
The Port of Dover faced tough competition in the Sustainability of the Year category alongside finalists Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings – Sailing for Nature: Biodiversity Programme Alaska, MSC Cruises x ORCA Partnership – Marine Mammal Observer Sailing Onboard and Virgin Voyages – Impact Squad, Crew Volunteer Programme.
Beyond the Port’s net-zero achievement, it has implemented a range of other environmental initiatives, notably its long-standing Safety and Environment Awareness Award (SEA award) which in its tenth year, has championed improvements in waste management and CO2 emissions by cruise lines.