Green Award Board of Experts gathers for 57th meeting in Rotterdam

Jan Fransen (ED Green Award) and David Patraiko (Chairman of the BoE). © Green Award Foundation, 2025.

On 7 May 2025, the Green Award Foundation held the 57th meeting of its Board of Experts (BoE) in Rotterdam. This biannual gathering brings together designated representatives from across the maritime industry to review developments, exchange insights, and provide strategic input on the composition of the Green Award Requirements and sustainability initiatives.

Chaired by Capt. David Patraiko, the meeting covered both sea and inland shipping developments, underlining Green Award’s commitment to advancing safer, cleaner shipping across the global maritime sector.

Sea Shipping: Evolving standards and exploring innovation

In the sea shipping session, experts discussed the ongoing review of Green Award’s technical checklist, as part of routine internal processes to ensure continued alignment with industry developments and operational practices. This work also ties into broader efforts related to digitalization within the organization.

The group also considered a proposed addition related to onboard drinking water systems, encouraging the use of enhanced filtration technologies to reduce reliance on bottled water. This reflects Green Award’s practical approach to supporting environmental improvements onboard.

Emerging technologies were another focal point. Experts shared updates and perspectives on the applicability of onboard carbon capture systems, following recent international regulatory developments at IMO MEPC 83. Discussions also touched on safety aspects of carbon transportation and how Green Award can meaningfully develop specific requirements in its certification program.

Inland Shipping: Advancing Certification and Emissions Reduction

In the inland session, the experts discussed updates to certification requirements for river cruise terminals and held further dialogue on the Platinum Label, with a focus on performance standards connected to emissions reduction. These discussions support Green Award’s mission to ensure the highest standards are both encouraged and maintained across its certified inland fleet.

A proposed new basic requirement for river cruise vessels, linked to compliance with established EU safety regulations, was also reviewed. These changes aim to strengthen the safety foundation of the certification process while remaining practical for operators.

Strengthening our expert network

The meeting also welcomed new member nominations to the Board of Experts, expanding its technical knowledge base with expertise from classification societies, the port sector, and financial institutions. This continued diversification ensures the BoE remains well-equipped to advise on the evolving challenges and opportunities facing the maritime industry.

Topics and proposals discussed during the BoE meeting will now be forwarded to the Green Award Board for further review and potential approval in the upcoming meeting.

The 57th BoE meeting once again underscored the value of expert collaboration in shaping the future of maritime certification. Through these dialogues, Green Award continues to drive progress toward a more sustainable and resilient shipping industry.