If you are active in the maritime branch you have probably heard of it before: the Green Award. But what exactly is the Green Award? And what is the added value for you as a ship owner? Find out more about it in this blog!
A few years ago we wrote a blog about this subject and we interviewed Ad Schroot. He contributed to the creation of the Green Award for inland waterway vessels and we asked him eight questions to get more information about this topic. Need to refresh your mind? Read our blog ‘With a zero-emission seal one step closer to a Green Award’.
Ad Schroot - “If a ship has the Green Award certification, it shows that it’s more environmentally friendly and sustainable”
The Green Award was introduced in 1994 to stimulate the quality and safety of sea-going ships. Originally it started as a certificate for oil tankers, chemical tankers, LNG and LPG tankers and container ships, but since 2011 the Green Award is also available for inland vessels. The program turned out to be a great success: until now the award attracted 590 European inland vessels and the support of commercial organisations.
Since 1 January 2017 the Green Award certificate is also available for inland passenger vessels, such as ferries, river cruise ships and day cruisers. The requirements for passenger transport are similar to the program for inland vessels that transport goods, but there is extra attention for safety and environment. Ships that have a catering or overnight accommodation need at least the Green Key certificate on bronze level.
Why is a green award certificate important for you?
First of all because it supports a cleaner environment. But there are more benefits to this voluntary participation. Ship owners receive a discount on port dues in the countries that are member of the Green Award. The following countries have harbors that support this initiative:
- Argentina
- Belgium
- Canada
- Germany
- Gibraltar
- Japan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- New Zealand
- Oman
- Portugal
- South Africa
- The Netherlands
How can you be considered for the green award?
To be considered for the Green Award certificate, you need to comply with a program of requirements depending on the ship type. These obligations contain subjects such as safety, waste and maintenance and main engines. For every element you receive points and if you collected enough points, you can be considered for the certificate.
Lagersmit offers several solutions to make your ship as green as possible. A zero-emission seal is a good example that responds to the requirements of the certificate. Find out more about our green solutions to make your vessel one step closer to the Green Award!
Interested in more information? Contact our sales department!