Sustainability

About Green Marine

Green Marine is an innovative program for the marine industry, tackling environmental issues like land, air, water, biodiversity, and community impacts. It encourages participants to exceed regulatory compliance by implementing concrete actions, practices, and technologies. Over 180 shipping companies, port authorities, terminal operators, shipyards, and St. Lawrence Seaway Corporations in Canada and the United States are part of this program.

The program focuses on 14 Performance Indicators to improve environmental performance and reduce the industry's footprint and risk. These indicators include aquatic ecosystems, community relations, dry bulk handling, environmental leadership, greenhouse gases, oily discharges, pollutant air emissions, ship recycling, spill prevention, waste management, and underwater noise. Performance is evaluated on a 1 to 5 scale, with requirements available on the website.

Green Marine's credibility and transparency are ensured through independent verification of results and public disclosure. Over 480 organizations participate as partners, associations, and supporters. The program is managed by the Green Marine Management Corporation, a federally incorporated not-for-profit entity, with support from government bodies and environmental groups. The active support from over 100 stakeholders, including the scientific community and governments, has been pivotal to Green Marine's success.

For Shipyards, Green Marine will have seven key categories starting in 2026. The original six sections (Air Emissions, Community Impacts, Community Relations, Environmental Leadership, Spill Prevention, and Waste Management) will be augmented with Surface Treatments and Coatings beginning this year.