This initiative distinguishes maritime players who undertake to measure their environmental performance on an annual basis and to reduce their environmental footprint.

The program provides a specific framework for port authorities, terminal operators, ship owners and shipyard managers to reduce their environmental footprint productively and measurably.

Specifically, through its 13 performance indicators, Green Marine addresses a number of priority environmental issues, seven of which are designated for ship owners. The indicators assess the direct impact of practices and technologies on a scale of 1 to 5: underwater noise, atmospheric pollution emissions, greenhouse gas (CO2) emissions, invasive aquatic species, waste management and oil management.

The program currently involves more than 145 Canadian and U.S. businesses. As long as it operates in North America, any international company is also eligible to receive certification, as is the case with Ponant, which offers cruises in the Canadian and US Arctic.

Ponant has recently been recognized by the German environmental association Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) as the most environmentally friendly cruise line.

NABU evaluates and assesses the environmental policies of the main ocean-going cruise companies in the European market each year. Ponant rose to first place in the rankings this year.

Maritime Business World