Green Marine Europe (GME), the environmental certification program dedicated to the maritime industry in Europe, recently unveiled its fifth annual performance report. The event, which took place during a half-day discussion on the environmental transition of the maritime industry and its financing, brought together key stakeholders from the sector in Brussels.

Adapted by Surfrider Foundation Europe from the North American Green Alliance certification program, Green Marine Europe now comprises 66 members spread across ten European countries: France, Germany, Belgium, Spain, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. This program, which embodies a strong commitment to sustainability, aims to reduce the ecological footprint of the maritime industry.

A Historic Turning Point for Certification

Launched in spring 2024, Green Marine International unifies Green Marine Europe and the Green Alliance under a single, cohesive organization. This move aims to reflect the growing global reach of the certification program while consolidating its governance. Now, all members of Green Marine Europe and the Green Alliance are also integrated into Green Marine International, with no changes to the certification requirements.

"I am very proud of Surfrider Foundation Europe's leadership in establishing the Green Marine Europe certification in collaboration with the Green Alliance and the European maritime industry over the past few years. I am convinced that Green Marine International will provide a governance framework that ensures continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement as the number of certified participants continues to grow," said Florent Marcoux, Director of Surfrider Foundation Europe.

David Bolduc, President and CEO of Green Marine International, emphasized that this new governance represents a true turning point in the program's history, which began 17 years ago in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence region.

Significant Progress Towards Decarbonization by 2050

Member shipowners of Green Marine Europe are intensifying their efforts to reduce their atmospheric emissions. Currently, more than half of them are reaching level 3 or higher regarding nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and particulate matter (PM). In terms of greenhouse gases, nearly one in three shipowners has also reached this threshold by conducting annual inventories—a requirement for setting reduction targets at levels 4 and 5. These efforts position shipowners on the decarbonization trajectory by 2050.

Antidia Citores, Project Manager of Green Marine Europe, highlighted the profound transformations in the regulatory landscape of maritime transport. "The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the United Nations Ocean Conference clearly reflect this evolution. This trend calls for innovative financing mechanisms. Green Marine Europe is thus an essential tool for companies seeking investments, as they must demonstrate their commitment to sustainability concretely," she stated.

The GME performance report is a testament to the growing commitment of the maritime industry towards sustainability and environmental protection. As climate challenges persist, cooperation among industry stakeholders and the adoption of sustainable practices are essential for a greener maritime future.