Gibraltar joins green award scheme

Gibraltar is a major bunker port and the gateway to the Mediterranean and it says that its decision to grant incentives to ships the highest safety standards should help to motivate more ships owners to invest in green improvements onboard.

Mr Jan Fransen, managing director, Green Award, said: “The Port of Gibraltar’s view fits very well with the Green Award’s philosophy. When such a major bunker port as Gibraltar practices its corporate social responsibility through participating in the Green Award scheme, it does make a difference and motivates safe and environmentally conscious shipping.”

Gibraltar is the second port this year to offer new incentives to sea-going vessels holding the Green Award certificate. This takes the total number of Green Award ports to 31 so far.

The Green Award foundation was established in 1994. Green Award is a global, independent, not-for-profit quality assurance organisation that works by certifying ship managers and vessels that go beyond the industry standards in terms of safety, quality and environmental performance. The Green Award certification scheme is open to oil and chemical tankers, bulk carriers, LNG carrying vessels and inland navigation barges.

Ships holding a Green Award certificate are offered various incentives such as discounts on port dues, maritime products and training courses and reimbursement of certification costs. Currently there are 225 sea-going ships and 440 inland barges already certified.