The Green Marine Europe label was created in 2020 as the result of a partnership between Surfrider Europe and the Green Marine, and is a real guarantee of ecological performance for shipowners committed to a proactive environmental policy. The first six laureates were awarded the label last October, and applications for the label can once again be filed until March 31. The opportunity to apply for the label is open to any shipowner keen to reduce the impact of maritime transport on the ocean.
The Green Marine Europe label, a proof of ecological performance
Awarded to actors in the maritime sector who are committed to going beyond European and international environmental regulations, this label is obtained by fulfilling the eight criteria precisely defined by the Green Marine Europe program. Among these, particular attention is paid to greenhouse gas emissions, waste management on board, ship dismantling and also underwater noise, which is rarely taken into account although it has a considerable impact on marine life.
Whether it be cargo ships (bulk carriers, container ships, tankers), passenger ships, scientific exploration or tugboats, any ship-owner – that is, the operator or charterer of the vessel carrying goods or passengers on its behalf – can ask to be granted this label by submitting their application before March 31, 2021 and to self-assess their environmental performance until May 31, 2021.
Search for innovations, mutual aid and recognition: a label full of advantages
A label such as this brings nothing but advantages for the ship-owner who obtains it. First, since renewal is conditioned each year by an improvement in the company’s environmental achievements, Green Marine Europe genuinely pushes the ship-owner to seek solutions and to orientate innovations towards a more responsible maritime sector.
Finally, by sporting the “Green Marine Europe” logo, shipowners can easily demonstrate their environmental commitment to national and international actors. It is thus a considerable asset when seeking to stand out from competitors during calls for tenders or to gain the appreciation of the public, who are increasingly attentive to the good conduct of the companies whose goods and services they consume.
Six ship-owners already approved; three other set to follow suit
Six shipowners – Brittany Ferries, CORSICA Linea, Genavir-Ifremer, La Méridionale, Orange Marine and Socatra – were awarded the label last October and have all chosen to move in the direction of less polluting maritime transport.
The companies Penn ar Bed, Sogestran and Ponant are following suit this year by joining the Green Marine Europe program, with the aim of also obtaining the label. Applications are now open and many are expected since the program aims to expand and cover as much of Europe as possible.
How to obtain Green Marine Europe certification?
In order to obtain the label and thus promote their efforts in terms of environmental performance, shipowners can apply from now until March 31: all they need to do is to pay the membership fee and complete the enrollment form, available in English.
Until May 31, they will then be able to self-assess their environmental performance using the online guides available, after which an external audit will be carried out by an independent body accredited by the Green Marine and Surfrider Europe. The results will be published and shipowners who satisfy the requirements will be awarded the Green Marine Europe label on 24 June.
If certification is obtained, the self-assessment will need to be repeated and published each year. This is in order to encourage real improvement in the company’s environmental results, contribute efficiently to reducing the pollution emitted by European maritime transport, and, at best, safeguard our Ocean.
For more information, please contact " style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">
