Environmental programme expands into Europe

The Green Marine Europe label will target the same environmental priorities as the North American programme including greenhouse gases, underwater noise, aquatic invasive species and management of residual materials, adapted to fit with EU regulation.

“It’s with great enthusiasm that we envision this long-term partnership between Surfrider Foundation Europe and European ship owners to replicate in Europe the approach that has proven itself in North America,” said David Bolduc, Green Marine’s executive director.

“We firmly believe that an open and transparent dialogue among the industry, its governmental partners and civilian society is the most effective way to define an environmental improvement approach that is both ambitious and achievable for the maritime transportation sector.”

Initial evaluations

Initial evaluations of the programme will begin shortly and the results of the first laureates will be published this autumn.

For the first year, the membership is being offered free of charge to ship owners that wish to obtain the label.

Thereafter, the business model will follow that of the North American program which is funded by membership fees.

Founded in 2007, the Green Marine environmental certification programme is the result of a voluntary initiative by the maritime industry to go beyond adhering to regulations.

To date, more than 140 ship owners, port authorities, terminal operators and shipyard managers throughout Canada and the United States.

North American members include Montréal Port Authority, the Port of Seattle and the Northwest Seaport Alliance.