The crew of the MV Oleander have been presented with the 2010 Environmental Award from the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Since 1972, the Bermuda Container Line (BCL) and the crew of the MV Oleander have outfitted the ship with oceanographic and meteorological instruments to measure carbon dioxide, ocean temperature, surface salinity, ocean currents and plankton.

They have also allowed NOAA staff to come on board more than 450 times to monitor oceanographic equipment and to collect data.

Gustavo Goni, Director of the Physical Oceanography Division for NOAA was on hand to present the award and said: "It's a pleasure to be here. NOAA gives an award every year to those who care about the environment. Since 1972, Bermuda has helped us to monitor the ocean, helping us to obtain data and observations from New York to Bermuda.

"Thanks also to the crew of the Oleander. This is helping us to understand the environment and how the study of the ocean is linked. We certainly want to recognise the crew and we sincerely appreciate all their work.

"We want you to know that your help didn't go unnoticed and this is why you have this award. We want this to serve as an example for other shipping lines."