The Green Award Foundation, a neutral and independent non-profit foundation that bestows international recognition on extra clean, extra safe seagoing vessels, announced that the Port of Sept-Îles had joined the ranks of the organization.
“Ports joining the Green Award scheme promote sustainability, quality and safety in port. We are delighted to see Port of Sept-Îles becoming our new incentive provider,” said Jan Fransen, managing director of the Green Award Foundation. “We hope that more ports will follow Port of Sept-Îles’ example which illustrates how mutual benefits can be developed further: ports receive greater numbers of ships that are managed to higher standards of environmental awareness and safety and shipowners who want to invest in cleaner, safer ship management are in turn rewarded for this. This is a perfect example of a joint industry tool to enhance Corporate Social Responsibility.”
Pierre D. Gagnon, president and CEO, Sept-Îles Port Authority, commented, “Port of Sept-Îles is very proud to become the third North American port to join the international Green Award program. The sustainable development of our port is of utmost importance to us and this program provides us with the means to promote and encourage environmentally sound practices on the part of ship management and crew members.”
The Green Award Foundation aims to stimulate safety and promote an environmentally aware conduct on the part of shipowners, crew and ship. Since 1994, Green Award has focused on the worldwide certification of seagoing vessels that go above and beyond the set standards in cleanliness and safety. Seagoing vessels – crude oil tankers, dry-bulk carriers and LNG carriers – are evaluated on their technical condition, quality of the crew and the management onshore. Those that comply with the criteria receive the Green Award certificate, which, subject to annual verification, is valid for three years.
Approximately 30 ports in nine countries reward some 227 certified seagoing vessels with a reduction on port fees. Other Green Award incentives include reduced rates with some marine service providers and banks.
Effective January 1, Port of Sept-Îles will implement a 10% reduction in port fees payable by vessels that have received certification by the Green Award Foundation.