The winners of 2023 GREEN4SEA Awards announced

The winners of the 2023 GREEN4SEA Virtual Awards are:

ERMA FIRST received the 2023 GREEN4SEA Sustainability Award for adopting an ESG strategy, focusing on a wide-ranging corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy. Among many initiatives, ERMA FIRST has unveiled a mural in central Athens to promote maritime sustainability and raise awareness of environmental issues within the local community. Other short-listed nominees of this categories were: ABS, Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonization Hub, Odfjell SE, Sustainable Shipping Initiative

Accepting the award on behalf of the winner, Mrs. Eleni Polychronopoulou, President, ERMA FIRST, said: ”I would like to thank you for voting ERMA FIRST to receive the 2023 GREEN4SEA Award. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at ERMA FIRST. From the solutions we develop to how conduct business and interact with our partners, customers and local communities worldwide.”

Our company has been built on instantiation to preserve and protect the marine ecosystem. Moving forward, sustainability will continue to be the driving force behind ERMA FIRST.

Sustainability is fundamental to everything ERMA FIRST does, from its product design to how it conducts business and interacts with the local community. As a leading manufacturer and supplier of BWTS, the company is dedicated to preserving and protecting the marine environment. In 2021, ERMA FIRST made two key acquisitions, enhancing and broadening the scope of its contribution to the marine environment: oneTANK LLC – manufacturer of the world’s smallest BWTS; and RWO – a supplier of future-proof marine water treatment systems. August 2022 saw ERMA FIRST extend its reach further by launching BLUE CONNECT. It is a revolutionary high-voltage shore power solution that enables ships to draw from the portside electrical grid to power their onboard systems and equipment. BLUE CONNECT allows vessels to shut down their diesel generators at the berth, reducing harmful emissions and contributing to maritime decarbonisation, but also cutting noise and vibrations in the port. ERMA FIRST has developed a mature ESG strategy which aligns fully with the values upheld across its product portfolio: it includes a wide-ranging corporate social responsibility (CSR) policy based on the pillars of ‘local community’, ‘inclusivity’ and ‘sustainability’.  2022 was a particularly busy year for ERMA FIRST from a CSR perspective. For example, in August, ERMA FIRST unveiled a mural in central Athens to promote maritime sustainability and raise awareness of environmental issues within the local community, in collaboration with EPE) and HELMEPA.

Maritime Battery Forum received the 2023 GREEN4SEA Clean Shipping Award for promoting the use of marine batteries, serving as a platform to exchange knowledge based on experience from the usage of batteries. It provides updates on the developments in technology and the technical and economic aspects of battery technology on ships and offshore installations. Other short-listed nominees of this categories were: Methanol Institute, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, Winterthur Gas & Diesel, Yara Clean Ammonia

Accepting the award on behalf of the winner, Mr. Syb ten Cate Hoedemaker, Managing Director, Maritime Battery Forum, said: “We are very excited to win the GREEN4SEA Clean Shipping Award. With currently around 87 members and observers from 15 different countries, coming from Europe, North America, South America and Asia, we are working to accelerate the adoption of safe Maritime Battery solutions.”

Battery is only a part of the solutions in the energy transition. We are making the right decisions regarding sustainability and we find new ways to be more sustainable.

The Maritime Battery Forum (MBF) was established in April 2014 with the aim to make batteries a success within the global maritime market. The forum keeps its members up to date on the developments in technology and the possibility to learn more about the technical and economic aspects of using battery technology on ships and other offshore installations. The MBF is a meeting place for exchange of knowledge based on experience from the usage of batteries within the shipping and offshore industries. MBF promotes the members’ interests and ambitions to become world leading in their respective fields activity towards a sustainable maritime industry with green growth. MBF reduces financial, regulatory and knowledge barriers, and drive safety in operations by promoting maritime battery solutions. The Forum provides an arena for collaboration on technology development and standardization by being the leading neutral advocate for maritime battery technology globally.

Clean Energy Marine Hubs (CEM-Hubs) received the 2023 GREEN4SEA Initiative Award for providing a public-private platform with the aim to de-risk investments in future clean fuels. This is a joint initiative by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and the Clean Energy Maritime Taskforce. Other short-listed nominees of this categories were: Blue Visby Solution, Maritime Just Transition Task Force, Port of Rotterdam, Poseidon Principles for Marine Insurance.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winner, Mr. Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping, said: “Thank you everyone who vote Clean Energy Marine Hubs. In Clean Energy Marine Hubs, we are working with five governments to create a platform that breaks down the silos between us. With production of new fuels close to the ports, 50% of the new zero-emission fuels are expected to be transported by ship.”

Collaboration is the only way we can afford the path of decarbonization. Not just for shipping, but for the whole world.

The Clean Energy Marine Hubs (CEM-Hubs) is a cross-sectoral public-private initiative aiming to accelerate the production, export and import of low-carbon fuels across the world. CEM-Hubs is co-ordinated with the support of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), and the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM). The Initiative is jointly-led by governments and a CEO-level taskforce from across the energy supply chain, in support of global decarbonization. The Taskforce is made up of private sector members from across the energy-maritime value chain including ports, shipping, finance and energy sectors. UAE and Canada were the first governments to join the CEM-Hubs initiative when it was announced at the Clean Energy Ministerial, in Pittsburgh, in 2022. The Initiative engages with all members to facilitate information and knowledge exchange on policies, programmes, and decarbonization projects. With the backing of five countries already – the UAE, Canada, Norway, Uruguay and Panama – the initiative continues to gain momentum with the support of IRENA as well. In early 2023, the CEM Hubs Initiative taskforce, with other members of the shipping industry, actively engaged in the Ministerial Roundtable at IRENA’s  13th Assembly and joined in the discussions about renewable energy generation.

GTT (Gaztransport et Technigaz) received the 2023 GREEN4SEA Technology Award for its Sloshing Virtual Sensor which advances the prediction of sloshing activity at sea in favor of efficient voyage management. The tool estimates two main characteristics, the sloshing frequency and the sloshing pressure, which can be derived to define a sloshing intensity. Other short-listed nominees of this categories were: Armada Technologies, DeepSea, I-Tech AB, Nautilus Labs, WE Tech Solutions Oy.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winner, Mr. Anouar Kiassi, Vice-President Digital of GTT, said: “We are very proud of receiving the technology award. The maritime industry is very conservative and its adoption for technology is very slow. However, what we have learned from this technology is that takes human factors into consideration”.

Through our digital innovations, we contribute as a group but also as individuals to reduce gas emissions. We also reduce the risk of releasing gas in atmosphere.

Sloshing inside LNG tanks can create high loads on the containment system. GTT has developed tools to quantify it and even predict it at sea. This methodology can be applied not only for voyage management, but also for predictive maintenance of the tanks. GTT’s researchers leverage machine learning techniques from their motion analysis platform. The resulting function behaves like a Virtual Sloshing Sensor. GTT ‘s Sloshing Virtual Sensor advances the prediction of sloshing activity at sea in favor of efficient voyage management. This digital solution is based on GTT’s “Sloshing Virtual Sensor” technology, using a tank digital twin, also designed by GTT, and the real-time operational data of the floating units (FSRU, FLNG and LNGC) to monitor the evolution of critical parameters with regards to tank integrity. The tool estimates two main characteristics, the sloshing frequency and the sloshing pressure, which can be derived to define a sloshing intensity. According to GTT, this cutting-edge innovation is expected to become an industry standard for LNGc. The regulation requires the LNGc owners to inspect, during a dry-dock, all the tanks every 5 years. GTT has developed this technology to support the extension of the dry-dock period. The financial and ESG benefits of such an extension for owners and the charters are very important.

Synergy Group received the 2023 GREEN4SEA Tanker Operator Award for its overall contribution to sustainable shipping and maritime decarbonization. Among many initiatives, the company is one of the signatories to the Call to Action for Shipping Decarbonization and has received ISO 50001:2018, putting energy efficiency as key priority. Other short-listed nominees of this categories were: Almi Tankers, Dorian LPG, Exmar, Hafnia, Proman Stena Bulk

Accepting the award on behalf of the winner, Mr. Tommy Thomassen, COO (Tankers), Synergy, said: “This is a tribute to our pioneering seafarers and shore-based teams who are constantly searching the boundaries for a more sustainable shipping and a safety-first immediate environment for all ships.”

We see technology and innovation as critical elements in achieving our goals and support our core values, as well as providing best-in-class services to ship owners.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winner, Capt Tomar, Master, Synergy, said: “I have the honor to accept it on behalf of officers, crew of not just the Synergy-managed tanker fleet of more than 250 vessels, but indeed on behalf of all my 24,000 colleagues at Synergy.”’

We’re working tirelessly towards the goal of worldwide and complete decarbonization so that the maritime industry can play the fullest possible part in helping the planet that we all depend on and share.

With over 540 vessels under technical management, Synergy Group handles a wide variety of vessels. Synergy prioritizes each client’s needs, providing top quality and optimally efficient solutions, crafted to meet all requirements in management, building, converting, or recycling. Among many initiatives, the company is one of the signatories to the Call to Action for Shipping Decarbonization. In December 2021, Synergy achieved ISO 50001:2018 certification by ClassNK, being one of comparatively few ship managers to achieve this that demonstrates that energy efficiency is a key priority. Synergy commits to an Energy Management System that focuses on a systematic approach to smart energy use, establishing a framework for managing consumption and engaging to renewable energy technology. Synergy has actively shown its commitment to reduce energy consumption by vessels and related GHG emissions. The company has put Corporate Responsibility at the center as it has created and maintained numerous initiatives in striving for a better society with a brighter future, with key help for those who are marginalised.

M/MARITIME received the 2023 GREEN4SEA Dry Bulk Operator Award for offering top quality sea transportation services, maintaining at the same time a pro-active approach in meeting the strict environmental requirements. Other short-listed nominees of this categories were: Eagle Bulk Shipping, Ionic Bulk Carriers (MGT) Inc., Norbulk Shipping, Wallem Group.

Accepting the award on behalf of the winner, Mr. Dimitris Orfanos HSQE Manager, M/MARITIME, said: “We aspire to operate at the highest environmental and energy standards, adopting best practices from across all sectors of shipping and investing accordingly.”

Our founder’s core values of excellence, accuracy, quality and being a step ahead in everything we do, are also reflected in our environmental friendly, fuel efficient and well maintained fleet with constant efforts for complete regulatory compliance and minimization of emissions

M/MARITIME is a dynamic company dedicated to the management of dry bulk vessels. With a fleet of nineteen modern, eco-type and of highest-quality dry bulk carriers, from 30,000 dwt to 82,000 dwt, built at respectable shipyards in Japan, M/MARITIME is committed to enhancing excellence in all her endeavors to ensure solid performance. M/MARITIME’s growing team ashore together with dedicated seafarers onboard, demonstrate perseverance to quality and accuracy in all functions of the ship-management process aiming for operational excellence. M/MARITIME introduces unique and enhanced principles for the transportation of vital dry-bulk goods, entrusted to the company by its reputable clients. Quality is reflected in the vigilant and proactive technical maintenance of its fleet, the safety and environmental requirements across M/MARITIME and the wellbeing of its people, who proudly and enthusiastically adhere and disseminate company’s values.  M/MARITIME commits to best practices that reduce shipping emissions and enhance energy efficiency, supporting and enhancing industry’s practices.

Gavin Allwright, Secretary General, International Windship Association (IWSA) received the 2023 GREEN4SEA Personality Award, sponsored by MacGregor, for creating momentum in the promotion of wind propulsion in commercial shipping and taking significant action to include this alternative source of power into decarbonization discussions.

Accepting the award, Mr. Gavin Allwright, said: “Over the last 20 years, it has been quite a journey for me learning ways to reintroduce and reinvigorate this zero-emissions, cost free energy source [wind], back in to shipping.”

We’ve used it for millennia, but finding ways to reintroduce that and certainly to re-wind the industry, not rewind it back to a bygone age. This award really underscores the development in the sector.

Gavin Allwright has been the Secretary General of the International Windship Association (IWSA) since its establishment in 2014 and heads the IWSA delegation at the IMO where the organisation holds consultative status. He is also a non-executive board member on the World Wind Energy Association (WWEA). Gavin has presented at numerous international fora, including as a moderator of panels on alternative maritime propulsion and innovation. He led the team that organised the ground-breaking Ambition 1.5C: Global Shipping’s Action Plan summit at COP23, an official UNFCCC Climate Partner event in Bonn, Germany. He is currently an advisor on a number of EU and international joint industry and research projects. Gavin holds a Masters degree in Sustainable Development, specialising in small scale sustainable shipping and logistics in developing countries. He lectures on the development of wind propulsion and sustainable shipping as a visiting lecturer at a number of universities, including the UN World Maritime University, Malmo, Sweden. He has contributed to numerous studies and projects on alternative propulsion solutions and helped coordinate and contributed extensively to the UN-affiliated IRENA technical brief and contributed as an expert reviewer on the first IPCC Special Report on 1.5C Global Warming.

Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman, President and CEO of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) received the 2023 GREEN4SEA Leadership Award, sponsored by ERMA FIRST, for his overall contribution to a greener and more sustainable shipping. Mr. Wiernicki plays a decisive role in delivering net zero for shipping by 2050, supporting that green shipping corridors and clean energy marine hubs offer great opportunities.

Presenting the award on behalf of the sponsor, Mr. Konstantinos Stampedakis, Managing Director, ERMA FIRST, commented: ‘’Sustainability is the key to a better future. Today, we’re embarking on this journey with ambitious goals to achieve what is necessary for the sake of the maritime industry and our planet. The beginning is always the hardest, as we say in Greece.”

As with every beginning, we need pioneers, those who lead by example. Today I have the great honor to give the leadership award to such a leader, Mr. Christopher J. Wiernicki

Accepting the award, Mr. Christopher J. Wiernicki, said: “A leader needs to think about today and tomorrow, not about yesterday. It is essential to look forward and maintain a positive outlook. This is particularly true when you consider shipping’s decarbonization challenge.’‘

The sheer gradient of the curve ahead of us is daunting but together we will get there. At the same time, leadership means making a friend of uncertainty and being comfortable with embracing change and the unknown.

Christopher J. Wiernicki is a naval architect, engineer and Chairman, President, and CEO of ABS. He also serves as Chairman of ABS Group of Companies and is a serving member of the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council (NIAC). Wiernicki has obtained degrees in civil engineering, structural engineering and ocean engineering. He also completed the Harvard Business School Advanced Management Program. Prior to joining ABS in 1993, Wiernicki was President and CEO of Designers and Planners Inc., a naval architecture firm. Mr. Wiernicki served as Chairman of Council of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) from 2015 to 2016. In 2018, he was recognized as one of the top 50 influential people in the tanker shipping and trade industry by Tanker Shipping & Trade and was named the International Personality of the Year at the annual Greek Shipping Awards. In January 2021, he was elected to the U.S. National Academy of Engineering for innovations in the design, engineering, and operation of ships and offshore structures. In August 2022, he was appointed by President Biden to the President’s National Infrastructure Advisory Council, which advises the White House on how to reduce risks and improve the resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure sectors.

Our awards give the opportunity to shipping to recognize significant efforts and leaders who inspire others to follow in their excellence footsteps. We should all be proud of the pivotal role our industry plays in international trade as it moves the world.

….commented Mr. Apo Belokas, Managing Editor, SAFETY4SEA, adding also that SAFETY4SEA’s goal is to boost awareness across all fronts to reinforce industry’s image, creating greater visibility, and embracing exceptional practices that will move shipping forward.

EXPLORE MORE ABOUT THE 2023 GREEN4SEA AWARDS HERE