In an era where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria increasingly steer the course of the maritime industry, NAMEPA’s Maritime Sustainability Passport® (MSP) Program emerges as a beacon of innovation and commitment to sustainability, explains Marcela Crowley, Sustainability Director, NAMEPA.
Developed collaboratively by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) and ESGPlus LLC, the MSP Program, launched in June 2020, is a bespoke ESG self-assessment tool, exclusively tailored for maritime entities.
This trailblazing initiative offers a comprehensive framework for companies, associations, educators, and individuals within the maritime sector, enabling them to benchmark and incrementally enhance their sustainability practices.
As a symbol of unwavering commitment to continuous improvement, NAMEPA’s MSP Program embarks on a yearly renewal voyage, ensuring its perennial relevance amidst the dynamic landscape of global sustainability standards.
Core Pillars and Program Mechanics
At the heart of NAMEPA’s MSP Program lie the Six Transparency Pillars, each representing a vital sustainability aspect within the maritime industry:
- Waste Management: Focuses on evaluating waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and fostering responsible disposal practices, emphasizing circular economy principles.
- GHG Emissions: Targets the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, Scope 1,2 & 3, through energy efficiency improvements and the adoption of cleaner technologies.
- Education: Aims to raise awareness and facilitate knowledge-sharing on sustainable practices, empowering stakeholders to drive positive change.
- Technology: Encourages the innovation and integration of sustainable technologies to mitigate the maritime industry’s environmental impact.
- Social: Prioritizes fostering a positive social impact, emphasizing employee welfare, community engagement, diversity, equality, and social responsibility.
- Governance: Ensures robust governance practices, ethical standards, and transparency in decision-making processes, paving the way for sustainable growth.
Participants embark on a structured journey divided into two phases, starting with an initial overview, and culminating in an in-depth self-evaluation aligned with the Six Transparency Pillars. This rigorous process involves submitting evidence of current sustainability practices, certificates obtained, and policies and procedures, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the participant’s engagement with ESG principles.
Recognition and Continuous Improvement
Upon successful completion and a positive assessment (60% score or more), participants are awarded NAMEPA’s Maritime Sustainability Passport® and MSP Seal, symbolizing their commitment to ESG excellence. This prestigious recognition, published across industry media, not only validates the participants’ sustainability achievements but also serves as a testament to their dedication to environmental stewardship and corporate citizenship.
NAMEPA’s MSP Program provides invaluable feedback and guidance for continuous improvement, offering a platform for integrating ESG strategies seamlessly into daily operations. By fostering a culture of sustainability, the program enhances the participants’ brand reputation, attracts environmentally conscious partners, and builds trust among stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory bodies.
Testimonials and Impact
The impact of NAMEPA’s MSP Program is evident in the testimonials of participants, who highlight the program’s role in formalizing their ESG procedures, enhancing organizational standards, and showcasing commitment to sustainability. Companies like SIEM Ship Management, Cargill, and Tidewater Inc. have emphasized the program’s significance in their journey towards environmental protection and social responsibility.
NAMEPA’s Maritime Sustainability Passport® Program stands as a testament to the maritime industry’s evolving commitment to sustainability. By providing a structured framework for ESG assessment and improvement, this program not only champions environmental and social stewardship but also propels participants towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
NAMEPA has reported an increment of more than 300% in program participation during 2023, expecting an even larger number of companies and individuals participating this year.
As the maritime sector continues to navigate the complexities of global sustainability challenges, NAMEPA’s Maritime Sustainability Passport program remains a crucial compass, guiding companies towards achieving their ESG goals and leaving a lasting positive impact on our oceans and communities.
The views presented are only those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of SAFETY4SEA and are for information sharing and discussion purposes only.
