The maritime industry’s environmental transition is gaining momentum as Green Marine Europe (GME), an environmental certification program for maritime stakeholders, unveiled its 5th annual performance report. With 66 members across 10 European countries, GME continues to set the bar for sustainable practices within the maritime sector. The program has expanded its reach significantly in just two years, doubling its number of participants and certifying shipyards for the first time in 2023, marking a significant milestone in sustainable shipbuilding.
A Growing Commitment to Sustainability
Green Marine Europe’s latest performance report highlights the strides taken by ship owners, shipyards, and other maritime stakeholders towards a greener future. This year, 28 of the 31 participants have been certified, with the certification extending to new members such as Chantier Naval de Marseille, Lisnave Estaleiros Navais S.A., and Navantia S.A., S.M.E.. These shipyards have embraced the program’s rigorous standards, taking significant steps to minimize their environmental footprint and enhance their operations’ sustainability.
The program is also collaborating on the CirclesOfLife project, funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe initiative. This project is focused on advancing sustainable shipbuilding across Europe, bringing together 15 shipyards, research institutes, and organizations committed to developing a more eco-friendly maritime industry.
Progress in Reducing Environmental Impact
The GME report emphasizes key achievements, particularly in waste management and air emission reduction. Ship owners participating in the program have made notable progress, with over 50% achieving Level 3 or higher for the reduction of NOx, SOx, and particulate matter emissions. Additionally, around one-third of ship owners have made strides toward greenhouse gas reductions, aligning their operations with the 2050 decarbonization targets.
While the average performance score slightly dipped to 2.5 (on a 1-to-5 scale), this reflects the inclusion of companies newer to the environmental transition, demonstrating the program’s commitment to transparency and continuous improvement. The slight decline underscores the importance of long-term progression over short-term gains, encouraging stakeholders to rigorously engage with the program’s sustainability goals.
Expansion of Green Marine Europe’s Certification Program
With its increasing influence, Green Marine Europe is expanding its certification reach even further. In 2024, the program will begin a test phase for its extension to ports, aiming for a wave of certifications by 2026. This expansion reflects the maritime industry’s growing dedication to sustainability, ensuring that not only ships but also entire port operations align with environmentally responsible practices.
The formation of Green Marine International in 2024 marks a new era for the program. By merging Green Marine Europe and its North American counterpart into a single entity, the program now has a global governance framework, enhancing its reach and influence. This strategic move allows for the continued global expansion of the program while ensuring the integrity and rigor of its certification process.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Supporting Maritime Sustainability
At VURDHAAN, we are actively involved in promoting sustainability within the maritime sector through our expertise in environmental certification programs such as Green Marine and Green Marine Europe. Our team works closely with ship owners, shipyards, and other maritime stakeholders to develop tailored decarbonization strategies that not only meet certification requirements but also drive significant environmental impact reduction. By leveraging initiatives like MARPOL and the Clean Shipping Index, we help maritime companies navigate their sustainability journey effectively.
Through collaboration, innovation, and adherence to evolving environmental standards, we ensure that our partners in the maritime industry can meet the ambitious goals set by programs like Green Marine Europe and achieve sustainable, profitable operations in the long term.
Conclusion
Green Marine Europe continues to grow its influence on the maritime industry’s environmental transition, with its 2023 performance report showcasing significant progress. As the program expands its certification to shipyards and ports, and with the establishment of Green Marine International, the future of sustainable maritime practices looks promising. With more companies embracing the rigorous standards set by the program, the path toward a greener, cleaner maritime industry is clearer than ever.