GEFO sets the Standard with their Sustainability Vision
GEFO Shipping Group is redefining what sustainable shipping can look like. With 92 vessels Green Award-certified (19 deep sea going and 73 inland), GEFO has made environmental excellence an essential part of its DNA. For Peter Van Herck, GEFO’s Group HSSEQ Manager, this achievement reflects their “high focus on emissions from our engines, smart sailing,” and fuel-saving techniques to minimize environmental impact.
Peter, who oversees health, safety, security, environment, and quality at GEFO, takes a deeply integrated approach to sustainability, ensuring that environmental performance is aligned with the company’s mission. “As HSSEQ manager,” he explains, “I am responsible for our Green Award programme, supporting and sustaining it to enhance the safety and environmental focus that GEFO stands for.” With 11 years of experience on chemical tankers and five years in his current role, Peter brings a comprehensive understanding of both deep-sea and inland shipping practices that inform GEFO’s ambitious goals.
Green Award certification is also a source of pride for GEFO’s crews, who experience first-hand the impact of their work. “The benefit of being a Green Award-certified vessel is primarily for the crew—to see firsthand the impact of their efforts onboard,” explains Armeen Saroukanoff, Master of GEFO’s vessel Gioconda. “Achieving Green Award certification is a recognition of all the hard work put into operating more sustainably. Our energy-efficient operations are acknowledged and rewarded by institutions committed to promoting responsible practices, as a way to thank us for the conscientious work we do,” said Armeen.
“This recognition has two main benefits. First, it provides a psychological boost, showing the crew that their commitment to sustainable practices is valued. Second, it demonstrates the tangible impact of small adjustments, like reducing tank cleaning to 50% instead of 60%, which saves fuel and cuts down CO2 emissions. We are proud that our vessel was among the first in the GEFO fleet to earn the Green Award certification,” Armeen added.
One of GEFO’s flagship initiatives is their “GEFO goes green” campaign. “This slogan,” Peter notes, “reflects our top management’s commitment, driving us to explore cleaner fuels like HVO and work closely with engine manufacturers.” This focus on fuel innovation has propelled vessels like Canaletto, a state-of-the-art diesel-electric hybrid, to lead the way in emission-conscious transport. Canaletto can operate on battery power along terminals and short channel stretches, reducing its ecological footprint and underscoring GEFO’s commitment to innovative propulsion. Canaletto is a Green Award certified inland navigation vessel that achieved Gold certification level.
GEFO’s environmental strategy isn’t just about technology—it’s also about transparency and continuous improvement. “We have a very good reporting system for near misses,” Peter shares, describing how reports from crews are circled back with corrective measures, creating a closed loop that aligns with GEFO’s core values. The organization’s family-oriented approach fosters open communication, where “short communication lines ensure that every crew member feels supported, both in good times and in challenging situations.”
For GEFO, the Green Award certification signifies more than industry recognition; it’s a roadmap for continuous improvement. “Safety and sustainability support each other in every part of our work,” Peter emphasizes. By integrating these values, GEFO stands as a leading example in the maritime industry, encouraging others to aspire to the same high standards. The message is clear: sustainable shipping is possible, rewarding, and, above all, essential for the future of the industry.
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