The winners of 2024 GREEN4SEA Awards announced

The winners of the 2024 GREEN4SEA Virtual Awards are:

Seaspan Corporation received the 2024 GREEN4SEA Sustainability Award for its ESG Program that has brought great momentum to its sustainability efforts in support of the UN Global Compact Principles and Sustainable Development Goals. Seaspan is already transitioning its fleet with 25 LNG dual fuel newbuild vessels and 5 methanol main engine retrofits. Other short-listed nominees were: Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM), RightShip, UCL Energy Institute, V. Group.

Accepting the award, Peter Jackson, Senior Vice Presi-dent, Assets & Technology, Seaspan Corporation, said:

This award holds great significance as it recognizes our commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. To us, sustainability is about continuous learning and improvement, information, transparency, and collaboration. We are pleased with our progress so far, but we recognize there is much more to do.

Seaspan’s ESG Program, established in 2020, brought great momentum to its sustainability efforts in support of the UN Global Compact Principles and Sustainable Development Goals. Seaspan’s CLEANBLUE program investigates low/zero carbon fuel transitions and ship conversions, including taking the lead in developing an ammonia fueled container vessel. Seaspan has joined the LR Accelerator Program Methane Abatement in Maritime as a founding member to minimize the environmental impact of LNG in shipping. Seaspan is a member of the Ship Recycling Transparency Initiative, ensuring end-of-life vessels are recycled in an environmentally friendly and socially responsible manner. Seven Seaspan vessels participated in the Quiet Sound voluntary slowdown in Washington State to protect endangered southern resident killer whales. The company has also made strides in the promotion of women to higher ranks within the company’s seafaring department. Seaspan implemented mandatory training for gender sensitization for all officers joining ships with females onboard. In Q4 2022, Seaspan donated $50K to Sailor’s Society to support initiatives promoting wellness for seafarers, and $50,000 to ISWAN to support the Social Interaction Matters program, a seafarer mental health initiative.

LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub received the 2024 GREEN4SEA Clean Shipping Award for its role in accelerating the sustainable decarbonization of the maritime industry. Through leadership, research, partnerships, and expertise, it aims to enable the delivery and operation of safe, technically feasible, and commercially viable zero-emission vessels by 2030. Other short-listed nominees were: Blue Sky Maritime Coalition, Greensea IQ, Port of Rotterdam, Manta Marine Technologies.

Accepting the award, James Forsdyke, Managing Director, Lloyd’s Register Maritime Decarbonization Hub, said:

Shipping emits 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions and is under global social pressure to transition to zero carbon fuels. Yet this transition represents the greatest challenge to the shipping industry today. At the LR Maritime Decarbonization Hub, we try to address these challenges through initiating first mover programs.

The LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub is a joint initiative between Lloyd’s Register Group and Lloyd’s Register Foundation. It is a non-profit research and action unit with a mission to accelerate the safe and sustainable decarbonisation of the maritime industry. Since 2020, it provides key stakeholders in the value chain with guidance at every step of their journey as they reduce the carbon intensity of their operations. The LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub involves a core team of thought leaders and subject matter experts in engineering, economics and risk.  It provides independent, fuel-agnostic and quantitative evidence-based research on future fuels and the shipping energy supply chain, with a strong focus on safety and risk mitigation. Through initiatives that facilitate shipping’s energy transition, the LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub envisions to enable a decarbonised shipping industry. The LR Maritime Decarbonisation Hub leads the way in sustainability.

PTC Shipmanagement received the 2024 GREEN4SEA Initiative Award for demonstrating outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainability through its partnership with One Earth One Ocean (OEOO) and HOLCIM. The company plays a vital role in reducing plastic waste in our oceans and protecting marine ecosystems. Other short-listed nominees were: Cargo Owners for Zero Emission Vessels (coZEV), Oceanic, OneLink, Safetytech Accelerator.

Accepting the award, Capt. Ronald Enrile, Senior Vice President for PTC Ship Management & Head of the PTC Talent Acquisition Group, said: ‘

We all share a common goal: to create a healthier, more sustainable future for generations to come. This award is just the beginning, and hopefully motivates us all to keep pushing forward. The challenge we face is significant, but so is the human spirit of innovation, and collaboration.

PTC Shipmanagement is playing a vital role in reducing plastic waste in the oceans and protecting marine ecosystems. The company has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to sustainability through its partnership with One Earth One Ocean (OEOO) and HOLCIM. PTC Shipmanagement also provides bareboat chartering and ship management services to MB Circular Explorer, the world’s first solar-powered waste collection vessel of its size. The MB Circular Explorer can recover up to four tons of plastic waste per day, helping to preserve vital marine ecosystems in a sustainable way. It uses conveyor belt technology for its waste collection system. Through the deflectors in the bow of the catamaran, the marine litter is directed onto the conveyor belt mounted in the middle of the vessel. Completely solar-powered, the MB Circular Explorer is fitted with vertically and horizontally swiveling solar modules mounted on its carousel, which can be aligned with the sun. The system can charge the two batteries fully with 32 kW in one day. PTC is very proud to have its global Maritime Professionals man the MB Circular Explorer. PTC Shipmanagement considers this as a key step to ensure a just and equitable transition for Filipino seafarers towards industry’s decarbonization.

Ascenz Marorka received the 2024 GREEN4SEA Technology Award for its ‘Vessel Performance Optimization Platform’ which provides detailed analytics, performance evaluation, hull & propeller monitoring, machinery optimization, accurate and automated analysis of voyage execution, recommending the best speed for transit periods. Other short-listed nominees were: Anemoi Marine Technologies Ltd, ERMA FIRST, MAN Energy Solutions, SRC Group, ZeroNorth.

Accepting the award, Anouar Kiassi, CEO, Ascenz Marorka, said:

We hear very frequently that the maritime industry is conservative and its adoption of technology is slow. There is some truth in that, but what we have also learned is that when innovation makes sense, brings real value, and takes the human factors into consideration, it is adopted quickly, at scale, and has a real impact. At Ascenze Marorka our motto is: Technology for sustainable ships. This ambition drives our action every day. 

Ascenz Marorka has more than 30 combined years of experience, providing solutions & services by experts in ship performance optimisation, weather routing, LNG cargo management, OSV operations and bunkering. The company provides a comprehensive ship and fleet performance solution for all types of vessels, transforming ship data into tangible benefits for the different stakeholders. Ascenz Marorka’s Vessel Performance Optimization Platform provides detailed analytics, performance evaluation, hull & propeller monitoring. The platform also provides accurate and automated analysis of voyage execution, recommending the best speed for transit periods. Ascenz Marorka’s digital tools have played a significant role in supporting Navigator Gas’s initiative to dramatically reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, potentially decreasing annual emissions by over 100,000 tons. Ascenz Marorka is dedicated to offering solutions that not only advance shipping operations digitally but also promote a more sustainable industry.

M.T.M. Ship Management Pte Ltd. received the 2024 GREEN4SEA Tanker Operator Award for investing in biofuels as a practical and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels that leads to significantly reduced greenhouse gas. MTM aims to expand the use of sustainable Biofuels, together with other technologies, in order to further optimize the company’s Green Strategy. Other short-listed nominees were: ADNOC Logistics & Services, Avin International Ltd, Northern Marine, Thenamaris.

Accepting the award, Dimitris Harbis, Director – Greece & Global Business Development, M.T.M. Ship Management Pte Ltd, said:

By braising sustainable energy sources, we can reduce carbon emissions and moderate the environmental footprint of the maritime industry. Many ship owners, ship managers, and tech companies are doing incredible work in offering solutions to switching to a sustainable shipping environment. Only through a collaborative effort will we be able to reach our targets.

M.T.M. Ship Management has embarked on the sustainability journey, investing in biofuels as a practical and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. In 2021, M.T.M. Ship Management successfully completed the first trial of Biofuel blend on one MR Tanker on a voyage from The Netherlands to Brazil using a Biofuel blend (B30 Bio VLSFO) on its journey towards decarbonization. The green fuel voyage was undertaken in collaboration with fuel supplier Trafigura, Lloyds as consultants, MAN/B&W as engine makers, DNV as vessel’s class and MPA Singapore as flag state administration. The project was managed by MTM’s vessel performance team based in Singapore. MTM aims to expand the use of sustainable Biofuels, together with other technologies, in order to further optimize the company’s Green Strategy. MTM’s mission has always been not only to operate ships at the highest safety standards, but to go beyond regulatory requirements. The company always finds ways to reduce the environmental footprint of the company’s maritime activities.

Oldendorff Carriers GmbH & Co. KG received the 2024 GREEN4SEA Dry Bulk Operator Award for its leadership in promoting sustainability. Through collaboration with industry stakeholders, the company is driving positive change and has committed to an ambitious decarbonization trajectory, aiming for sustainable levels in all aspects. Other short-listed nominees were: Golden Union Shipping Company S.A., Orion Reederei GmbH & Co. KG, Star Bulk Management Inc, Swire Bulk Pte. Ltd., Synergy Marine Group.

Accepting the award, Jan Kohzer, Sustainability Manager, Global Engagement & Sustainability, Oldendorff, said:

We are truly proud that all our activities to watch the decarbonization of our industry are valued by so many people. It is still far from where we want to be in the future, but nevertheless, there is so much that can already be done here and now with measurable effects. A great part of this traditional thing is to think outside the box and do what has not been done before. On the other hand, we must take one step at a time and ensure that the potential green solution is a safe solution for seafarers.

For more than 100-years, Oldendorff has remained adaptive to change. The company is committed to an ambitious decarbonisation trajectory towards sustainable levels in all aspects. In the last 8 years, Oldendorff has invested over $4 billion in about 100 Eco bulk carriers. Oldendorff ‘s objective is to continually reduce its fuel consumption and minimize its CO2 emissions. To meet the challenges of achieving environmental targets, Oldendorff ‘s Innovation and Sustainability teams are investigating a broad array of ideas and initiatives. Oldendorff Carriers is one of the founding partners of the West Australia – East Asia Iron Ore Green Corridor project, established in April 2022, together with Starbulk, Rio Tinto, BHP and Global Maritime Forum. The consortium partners are assessing the feasibility for deploying zero emission vessels on this major iron ore trade route. The focus is on green ammonia as a zero-emission marine fuel. Australia has a favorable geographical location for the production of renewable hydrogen and green ammonia. Among other initiatives, Oldendorff Carriers proudly participates in the ECHO Program, led by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, to reduce the impacts of commercial shipping on at-risk whales.

Lynn Loo, CEO of the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation, received the 2024 GREEN4SEA Personality Award for her outstanding contributions to advancing the green transition within the shipping industry. Lynn has played a pivotal role in shaping the standards for future fuels and laying the foundation for sustainable practices within maritime operations.

She actively co-finances and supports groundbreaking first-of-a-kind projects that set new benchmarks for sustainability in the maritime sector. Moreover, her ability to foster collaboration among industry stakeholders establishes her as a driving force behind the positive evolution of shipping toward a more environmentally conscious and sustainable future.

Accepting the award, Lynn Loo said:

Considering the GCMD is only two and a half years old, and I’ve only been involved with this sector for about the same amount of time, it feels surreal. I always say that I stumbled upon shipping, and shipping took a chance on me. Decarbonization requires action, not just ideas. That’s why GCMD prioritizes real-world pilots and trials.

”This can be complex because regulations are not yet in place. In just a short period of time, we’ve launched four initiatives and completed some exciting projects under them. We’ve completed a safety study for Pilot Ammonia Banking to develop standards and training programs for the safe transfer of ammonia during bunkering operations.’’, Lynn Loo added.

Prof. Lynn Loo is the Chief Executive Officer at the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation (GCMD). Under her leadership, Lynn led GCMD to launch maritime-related decarbonisation initiatives covering both studies and pilots to close technical and operational gaps. To date, GCMD is working with more than 100 centre- and project-level partners to execute various studies and pilots under these initiatives. Prior to joining GCMD, Lynn was the Director of the Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment at Princeton University, where she commissioned the Rapid Switch Initiative and the Net-Zero America Study. She also launched Princeton’s first executive programme in partnership with the World Economic Forum to contextualise the complexities of the energy transition for business leaders. Lynn is a Fellow of the American Physical Society and the Materials Research Society; and a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum. She also sits on numerous boards, including the Global Maritime Forum. She holds BSEs in chemical engineering and materials science and engineering from the University of Pennsylvania and her PhD in chemical engineering from Princeton University. She is internationally recognised for her scientific work on emerging solar cell technologies.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime, DNV, received the 2024 GREEN4SEA Leadership Award, sponsored by MacGregor, for his outstanding leadership in addressing global transformations within the maritime industry. His exceptional leadership is evident in his calls for industry stakeholders to embrace new opportunities and collaborate for progress towards sustainability.

As a key figure in one of the largest classification societies in shipping, Knut actively advocates for the widespread adoption of alternative fuels and existing technologies to propel the industry’s energy transition and decarbonization. His visionary approach and proactive stance make him a true leader, inspiring positive change and contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable practices within the maritime sector.

Presenting the award on behalf of the sponsor, Athena Kanellatou, Area Director, Sales & Marketing, Equipment and Solutions Division, MacGregor, said:

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen is a visionary and charismatic leader, an acknowledged and trusted voice in addressing global transformations. Collaboration is the fuel of the future, enabling us to experiment and learn together. With a strong sense of purpose, Knut remains undeterred by any minor setbacks. Actions speak louder than words. Congratulations!

Accepting the award, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen said: ‘’This year we celebrate our 160th anniversary and every one of these years the most important driver of everything has been our people. To receive an award for leadership in green shipping is extremely relevant these days. This is the main thing shipping today.”

Decarbonization targets became more ambitious last summer, and we are all striving for full decarbonization by 2050. Achieving this goal and the other goals along the way will require levels of technological advancement and innovation that we have never seen before. Navigating this journey requires cross industry collaboration.

..he said.

Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen is key figure in one of the largest classification societies in shipping. He is the CEO of DNV GL – Maritime and a member of the Executive Board of DNV GL SE. He was appointed CEO of DNV GL – Maritime in August 2015 and prior to that he had been the Chief Operating Officer and President of DNV GL – Maritime and Director of Division Europe, Africa & Americas. After joining DNV in Oslo, in 1990, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen worked in DNV’s core business areas serving the maritime and oil & gas industries. Knut actively advocates for the widespread adoption of alternative fuels and existing technologies to propel the industry’s energy transition and decarbonization. Knut holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, where he was awarded a First Class Honour’s Degree in Civil Engineering in 1990. His visionary approach and proactive stance make him a true leader, inspiring positive change and contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable practices within the maritime sector.

EXPLORE MORE ABOUT THE 2024 GREEN4SEA AWARDS HERE