In keeping with Holland America Line`s long commitment to protection of the environment, the company is announcing the formation of a new Department of Environmental Compliance. Rich Softye, Captain United States Coast Guard (retired), will head up the department as vice president, compliance programs, and will report directly to Chairman and CEO A. Kirk Lanterman.

Although we have been committed to environmental protection for many years and have had strong compliance programs, formation of this department dedicated solely to environmental concerns further strengthens that commitment, Lanterman said. We take great pride in meeting or exceeding all environmental regulations and we will continue to be an innovative leader in this arena.

A graduate of the New York Maritime College, Softye is a 23-year veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard. While serving in the Coast Guard, he served as Captain of the Port and Officer in Charge of Marine Inspections with a specialty in pollution response and marine safety. Softye joined Holland America in 1998 as a director in the fleet department.

Capt. Nico Corbijn, who has served for many years as master of Holland America`s flagships, the ms Rotterdam and the ms Amsterdam, has come ashore to serve as director, Environmental Compliance. Former environmental consultant Matthew Arms joins the department as the Environmental Compliance Program training officer and auditor. Rounding out the staff is Dan Grabb, who transferred from the fleet department to become the environmental compliance support coordinator.