Global container carrier APL received the United States’ Coast Guard’s highest award for excellence in marine environmental protection today.

The world’s seventh largest container carrier took home the Osprey award – the highest level of recognition within the Rear Admiral William M. Benkert Award, considered the premier environmental award in the U.S. maritime industry, conferred biennially.

“We are very proud to earn this top accolade, which is reserved for the most significant environmental achievements,” said Kevin Krick, Director for Environmental Affairs in APL, who received the award from U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Robert Papp at the American Petroleum Institute Tanker Conference. “APL’s commitment to sustainable global trade is evidenced through our investments in green technology. We hope that our award win will serve as an industry benchmark and encourage others to similarly strive for environmental improvements.”

The Benkert Award recognizes maritime businesses and corporations with outstanding accomplishments that extend far beyond compliance with industrial and regulatory standards. The Osprey is rarely presented, and is given as the highest level of distinction when an organization clearly exceeds all review criteria expectations.

APL recently celebrated the delivery of its newest and largest vessel, which is also its most environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient. The 10,700-TEU APL Southampton, fitted with a ballast water treatment system and an electronically-controlled main engine, signals a new era of sustainable ships entering the liner’s fleet. APL says it will deploy 30 more new vessels in the next three years.

APL has also announced that it will reduce carbon emissions 30% by 2015.