Simon Cripps, director of WWF's Global Marine Programme, said, 'By joining forces, Wallenius Wilhelmsen and WWF will be making a significant contribution to securing marine conservation in the last frontier of the oceans, the high seas. WWF is pleased to be working with such a forward-thinking company that recognises the importance of conserving the open ocean, a global resource for all users.'

Wallenius Wilhelmsen's support will help the WWF improve the governance of the high seas in protecting marine life and developing practical conservation solutions, such as the established High Seas Marine Protected Areas (HSMPAs).

WWF's high seas conservation strategy also aims to address the wider environmental issues connected with the shipping industry such as and reducing the threats of illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing;

developing better ways to manage global tuna fishing fleets; and minimise the catching of marine species like dolphins, marine turtles, and sharks.

Wallenius Wilhelmsen, jointly owned by Wallenius Lines of Sweden and Wilh. Wilhelmsen of Norway, has already made extensive moves to become more environmentally friendly.

In February 2004, it signed a groundbreaking contract to purchase 200,000 tons of bunker fuel with a sulphur contact of just 1.0%, well below that required by current legislation, to help stem harmful exhaust emissions into the atmosphere. Already, 60% of the company's annual bunker fuel supplies of 800,000 tonnes have been sourced at or below a sulphur content of just 1.5%.

Other measures already undertaken by Wallenius Wilhelmsen's owners include:

altering main engine fuel combustion to minimise emissions;

implementing the use of tin-free bottom paints on hulls; employing innovative methods of treating ballast water; using double hulled vessels; changing cooling agents used in refrigeration plants; using biodegradable oil in the stern tubes; finding more environmentally friendly systems to put out fires; using bilge water treatments achieving content of 5 parts per million (ppm); and deploying biocide-free anti-foulants.

MJ Information No: 19854