Green Award certification scheme announced introduction of a Platinum label for inland navigation ships that keep abreast of the times and operate several hours a day with zero emissions of CO2, SOx, NOx and PM.
Green Award certifies ships that demonstrate better than legally required performance in terms of quality, safety and environmental practices.
A certification program for inland ships was launched in 2011, but the number of certified inland navigation barges has been growing ever since and has now reached 631. As a result, 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.
Therefore, Green Award launched this Platinum label, in addition to existing Bronze, Silver and Gold certification levels, hoping that it will be recognized by ports and other incentive providers and rewarded with suitable incentives to further promote emission-free ship operations.
The first inland navigation vessel with zero emissions is expected to be certified in 2018. In the future, the Green Award Foundation considers introducing the Platinum label for sea-going ships as well.