Green Award certifies ships that demonstrate better than legally required performance in terms of quality, safety and environmental practices. In 2011 a certification programme for inland ships was launched. The number of certified inland navigation barges has been growing ever since and has now reached 631. The requirements are continuously improved and updated to address new challenges.
Technologies are rapidly developing and technological progress allows yet better performance. Operating with zero emissions is coming closer and offers opportunity to eliminate ship specific emission footprint.
The first inland navigation vessel with zero emissions is expected to be certified in 2018. Platinum label comes in addition to the existing Bronze, Silver and Gold certification levels within the Green Award programme. Green Award hopes that the Platinum label will be recognised by ports and other incentive providers and rewarded with suitable incentives to further promote emission-free ship operations.
Together with inland shipping entrepreneurs Green Award is striving for safe and clean shipping. The path to the future is clear. A step in the direction of emission-free ship operations has been taken.
In the future, the Green Award Foundation considers introducing the Platinum label for sea-going ships as well.
