SAFETY4SEA: Your organization has been shortlisted for the 2019 GREEN4SEA Awards in the ‘Dry Bulk Operator’ category alongside a number of other distinguished nominees. What would you like to share with industry’s stakeholders with respect to this development?
Marianthe Patrona: We are honoured to be shortlisted amongst other prestigious Companies, and the recognition of Blue Planet’s efforts for a Greener and Sustainable Shipping is a valuable initiative that makes us better.
S4S: When it comes to tackling the green challenges around the shipping sector, what are the core priorities on your agenda?
M.P.: The 2020 fuel challenges are concerning us since the information from refineries is still limited. We believe that a key strategy at the moment is to reduce consumption and subsequently emissions through innovative technology, rather than scrubbing. This is the reason we turned to the wind powered Flettner Rotor System, developed by Anemoi in the UK, on board one of our vessels. One of our core values is tradition and in our view Wind Assisted Propulsion is the combination of tradition and innovation. Another aspect is the reduction of fuel consumed for powering needs, to that end we have already installed on 3 of our managed ships Ship Energy Efficiency System comprising of Variable Frequency Drives on primary pumps and fans. With regards to Ballast Water Convention, most of the vessels under our Management have approved USCG Ballast Water Treatment Systems.
S4S: Which best practices would you recommend from your perspective to enhance green performance onboard and ashore?
M.P.: The single most important factor is to involve all Company’s personnel in decision making. As an example we are currently running a Reduce Plastic Waste Campaign on board our vessels, and prior deciding on our strategy we sent questionnaires onboard and after gathering the feedback from our crew we were able to discuss and evaluate a number of ideas during our shore management meetings and decide on a strategy that will involve everyone onboard and ashore. Corporate Social Responsibility shall not be restricted on the areas that vessels operate, but should be the culture for all Companies. Blue Planet is a founding member of the Thalassa Foundation, a charity engaged in the protection and preservation of the fragile marine environment and endangered species in the largest marine park in Europe located in the Northern Sporades Islands.
S4S: Do you have any new projects on the pipeline and/or plans that you would like to share with the rest of the industry?
We are evaluating projects of installing the Flettner Rotor System onboard other vessels as well. Furthermore we plan to install the Ship Energy Efficiency System on all our vessels during their next scheduled Dry Dock. We have managed to reduce paper consumption at the office to the bare minimum and as mentioned above we have started the Reduce Plastic Waste Campaign. Furthermore we are closely working with Argo Systems, a shipping software development company, in developing an ERP leading eventually to a paperless environment both ashore and onboard.
S4S: What is your key message to the industry for a more sustainable future of shipping?
Blue Planet is committed to protecting the environment and putting our sustainability policies into action. This is our vision proven by our actions. And action means investment and commitment.
You may cast your vote for Blue Planet Shipping at 2019 GREEN4SEA Awards dedicated webpage till 22nd of February 2019!
The views presented hereabove are only those of the author and not necessarily those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
