Green Award

© Faramaz / Shutterstock

The ocean is home to extraordinary species like whales — vital to the marine ecosystem and awe-inspiring in their presence. As global maritime traffic continues to grow, so does the risk of ship strikes — collisions between vessels and cetaceans — posing threats not only to marine life, but also to the safety of ships and crew. 

At Green Award, we are committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 14: Life Below Water, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. 

A rising concern in global shipping 

Ship strikes have become a pressing international issue. The training video “Protecting Whales at Sea”, developed through a collaboration between The Nautical Institute and Ocean Navigation Awareness, and recognized by leading maritime players like Gard AS, highlights the importance of preventing collisions with whales. 

Detection remains a major challenge. Mariners often navigate in rough seas, poor visibility, or unfamiliar waters. Spotting whales under these conditions is difficult, which is why planning and awareness are essential. 

Safer seas through smarter navigation 

To reduce risk, navigational charts are being updated to include high-density whale zones and migration corridors. These additions help crews plan routes that avoid sensitive habitats, especially during migratory seasons. 

Good practices for navigating in whale-populated waters include: 

• Minimizing travel through known whale habitats, especially at night. 

• Reducing speed, particularly when whales are spotted nearby. 
• Avoiding head-on approaches, and steering behind rather than across their paths. 
• Maintaining a wide distance around any detected marine mammals. 

Scientific data shows that vessels travelling 14 knots or faster significantly increase the likelihood of serious harm. Lower speeds help prevent fatal injuries and give both ship and whale more time to react. 

Reporting and responsibility 

When sightings occur, they should be reported immediately by the lookout. In the event of a collision, it’s critical to submit a detailed report within 24 hours, notify local authorities, and log the event accurately. 

Increased awareness and vigilance can save lives — both human and cetacean. 

A Shared commitment to marine protection 

This effort is part of a broader push for sustainability across the maritime sector. Green Award values the insights of partners like The Nautical Institute and Gard AS, both represented on our Board of Experts, as well as partnering Incentive Providers. We recognize their leadership in advancing ocean conservation and promoting industry-wide awareness. 

Furthermore, as part of this ongoing mission, Green Award will soon release an updated version of our “Environmental Requirements during the Voyage“. The upcoming revision of our ship certification requirements will include a specific mandate for ships to verify their voyage plans when transiting globally known whale habitats and migration areas, incorporating appropriate disturbance mitigation measures. These enhanced requirements reflect our commitment to marine biodiversity and reinforce the industry’s role in protecting vulnerable species through proactive navigation practices.