An Ocean of Difference: MSC Supports Whale Conservation Efforts Across the Americas

• MSC and MEDLOG Chile, in partnership with the MSC Foundation, proudly supported the Fin Whale Conservation Project, a whale tagging initiative, in the Humboldt Archipelago.
• MSC USA was honoured with the North Star Environmental Stewardship Award for its ongoing efforts to supporting the health of the natural environment in the Puget Sound region.
• MSC USA also received a Certificate of Recognition for participating in the 2024-2025 Quiet Sound Voluntary Vessel Slowdown, a seasonal initiative aimed at reducing underwater noise in Admiralty Inlet and north Puget Sound.

Collective action to protect whales

From the waters of Chile’s Humboldt Archipelago to the Puget Sound in Washington, United States, MSC has taken meaningful steps this year to safeguard some of the ocean’s most endangered whale species.

Building on efforts to protect blue whales in Sri Lanka and sperm whales in the Mediterranean, MSC participated in research and voluntary vessel slowdowns across the Americas to help protect fin whales and Southern Resident killer whales.

Only by collective effort can the global whale community be protected and a healthier ocean ensured for future generations

MSC Chile participates in fin whale tagging initiative

Partnering with the MSC Foundation, MSC, and MEDLOG Chile joined a pioneering initiative to protect endangered fin whales, the second-largest animals on Earth. These whales migrate through the Humboldt Archipelago, one of 167 global Mission Blue Hope Spot identified as critical to ocean health, but face growing threats from vessel traffic, underwater noise, and shifting feeding grounds. The project saw MSC collaborate with the Center for Advanced Studies in Arid Zones (CEAZA) and other experts on the Company’s first-ever whale tagging project.

Five fin whales were tagged with devices equipped with cameras and motion sensors, providing critical data on their movements and behaviour. This information will culminate in January 2026 with a final report to help regulators develop new regulations focussed on reducing collision risk through measures such as vessel speed reduction and rerouting.

Fin whales are vital for ocean health: they recycle nutrients, enhance ecosystem productivity, and sequester carbon, supporting climate change mitigation. Safeguarding them helps sustain all life on Earth.

MSC USA recognised for its conservation leadership and innovation

MSC USA was commended for its leadership in protecting endangered Southern Resident killer whales in Puget Sound. The Company received the North Star Environmental Stewardship Award from the Northwest Seaport Alliance, recognising its commitment to environmental innovation and sustainability in the region.

This recognition follows MSC’s active participation in the 2024–2025 Quiet Sound Voluntary Vessel Slowdown, a seasonal vessel speed reduction initiative aimed at reducing underwater noise and helping killer whales to hunt, navigate, and communicate more effectively.

Between October 2024 and January 2025, MSC vessels completed 18 transits through the slowdown zone, with 94% reducing speed and 72% meeting recommended targets. The slowdown period contributed to a 35% reduction in underwater noise and coincided with whale presence on 57 of 98 days, the highest recorded to date.

By supporting programs like Quiet Sound and receiving accolades such as the North Star Award, MSC demonstrates its ongoing commitment to responsible ocean stewardship and “Protecting Our Blue Planet.”

Learn more about MSC’s efforts to deliver meaningful and lasting results for whales.