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JAS Worldwide

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Setting Sail Towards Sustainability: The Impact of California's Vessel Speed Reduction Program on Blue Whales and Beyond

By
JAS Sustainability Team
February 18, 2024
Blue Whale with Cargo Ship in the Background
Blue Whale with Cargo Ship in the Background

Protecting Blue Whales and Blue Skies is a voluntary Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) Program along the coast of California which incentivizes companies to incorporate sustainable shipping practices across their global supply chain. By creating seasonal and predictable slow speed zones, this program helps companies protect endangered whales, reduce fuel use and regional greenhouse gas emissions, and improve air quality and human health outcomes.

The program runs each year from mid-May to December to coincide with peak ozone and whale feeding and migration. The program covers two geographic regions, one along the Southern California coast and one outside the San Francisco Bay Area.

Since 2014, the program has achieved an estimated 44% decrease in the risk of whale strikes. 

As an ambassador, JAS engages with its shipping partners operating in the area, recognizes the shared vision and commitment with those already involved in vessel speed reduction, and further encourages other ocean carriers to participate in the program. 

“What makes the BWBS initiative stand out is that it not only addresses carbon emissions, but also safeguards biodiversity. By voluntarily reducing vessel speed (VSR) along the California coast, ocean carriers commit to protecting blue whales and raising industry awareness. JAS supports this initiative and will further engage its logistics partners on the key role whales play in the environment and our responsibility to improve the ocean ecosystem.” -Andrea Goeman, SVP QHSE & Sustainability, JAS Worldwide
“Being an ambassador for the BWBS Program is a great initiative towards more sustainable ocean freight solutions. It is a way to further engage with our carriers, with whom we share values towards a sustainable transformation, and an example of how collaboration can be beneficial for the logistics ecosystem, our customers, and the environment.” -Lars Huebecker, EVP Global Head of Ocean Freight
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Parker Hannifin has recognized JAS with its International Freight Forwarder of the Year award for 2025

Once again, Parker Hannifin has recognized JAS with its International Freight Forwarder of the Year award for 2025. Parker Hannifin, a Fortune 250 global leader in motion and control technologies, serves a wide range of industries including aerospace, climate control, filtration, and automation. The company highlighted JAS’s cybersecurity and sustainability efforts, on-time delivery, and commitment to continuous improvement as key reasons for selecting JAS as this year’s recipient.

This marks the third time JAS has been honored with this award, having previously received the recognition in 2017 and 2020. Being named  International Freight Forwarder of the Year once again underscores JAS’s ongoing commitment to delivering customer value, consistent partnership, and excellence in global logistics solutions.

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We would like to remind our customers of the implementation of the Import Control System 2 (ICS2), the European Union’s enhanced pre-arrival safety and security program for cargo entering or transiting through EU Member States, as well as Norway, Switzerland, and Northern Ireland. Effective 1 September 2025, ICS2 became mandatory across all modes of transport—air, ocean, road, and rail. This regulation requires the submission of detailed shipment data via an Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) prior to cargo arrival at the EU border.

What You Need to Know ICS2 is designed to:

  • Strengthen EU border security
  • Enable early risk assessment
  • Facilitate legitimate trade
  • Prevent delays and penalties due to non-compliance

Your Responsibilities as a Shipper or Cargo Owner

To ensure compliance and avoid disruptions, please take note of the following obligations:

Data Submission Requirements

You must provide:

  • A complete and accurate commercial description of each item
  • A valid Harmonized System (HS) code, consisting of at least six digits—though in many cases, EU customs may require eight digits or the full tariff code.
  • A valid Economic Operator Registration and Identification (EORI) number for the EU consignee/importer (and for other parties in the EU where applicable)
  • Full details of all parties involved (seller, buyer, consignor, consignee)

Filing Responsibilities

  • Freight Forwarders/NVOCCs: File ENS at the house bill level.
  • Carriers: File ENS at the master bill level.
  • Consignees: Provide valid EORI numbers to ensure accurate filing.

Non-Compliance Risks Failure to comply with ICS2 requirements may lead to:

  • Shipments being delayed, rejected, or held at EU borders
  • Customs inspections and possible administrative penalties
  • Additional costs related to storage or missed deliveries

Recommended Actions to prepare for ICS2 compliance:

  • Audit your product master data for HS codes and descriptions
  • Standardize commercial invoices and packing lists
  • Validate and integrate EORI numbers into your systems
  • Establish clear communication protocols with your logistics partners
  • Ensure complete shipment data is provided to your freight forwarder in time for ENS filing (e.g., at least 24 hours before vessel loading for ocean freight).

Technology & Support

In response to the EU’s Import Control System 2 (ICS2) requirements, we want to reassure our customers that our experienced staff and systems are fully prepared to manage the necessary data submissions and compliance procedures on your behalf. To support this service and ensure the smooth processing of your shipments, a compliance handling fee will apply. This fee covers the administrative effort and data validation to meet the latest EU regulations efficiently and accurately.


We are also investing in digital tools and customs platforms to automate data validation and submission, reducing manual errors and ensuring timely compliance. If you have any questions or would like guidance on preparing your shipment data, please contact your JAS account representative.

JAS has been awarded a Silver Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment, achieving a score of 75 points.

JAS has been awarded a Silver Medal in the EcoVadis sustainability assessment, achieving a score of 75 points. This marks a 15-point improvement from last year’s Bronze rating and places JAS among the top 15% of companies assessed globally.

EcoVadis is one of the world’s most trusted providers of business sustainability ratings, evaluating over 130,000 companies across four categories: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement.

In the latest assessment, JAS received particularly strong recognition in the Environment category (91/100), reflecting our focus on decarbonization, responsible resource use, and advancing sustainable logistics solutions. JAS also recorded solid progress in Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement, showing how JAS is working to embed responsible practices across its global operations and supply chain.

Andrea Goeman, SVP Sustainability, JAS, commented:

“We are proud to see our progress recognized with the EcoVadis Silver Medal. This achievement reflects the collaboration across our global teams and our strong commitment to building a more sustainable future for our customers, partners, and communities. While this is an important milestone, we will continue to strengthen our practices to further improve our performance in the years ahead.”

With a score of 75 points, JAS now ranks in the 92nd percentile of all companies assessed by EcoVadis. This performance not only supports many of our customers’ supplier selection and evaluation processes, but also highlights the steady progress we are making year over year.

As JAS continues its sustainability journey, the company remains focused on driving measurable improvements across its operations and working closely with customers and partners to reduce environmental impact and achieve shared sustainability goals.

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