Green Award

As the shipping industry pushes towards greater environmental responsibility and operational excellence, we are pleased to share highlights from our latest benchmarking report. This year’s results reflect how certified companies and vessels are performing across key sustainability and compliance areas, offering a glimpse into the progress being made by frontrunners in the sector.

This year’s report confirms that Green Award Certificate Holders remain ahead of international standards. Based on data from the latest certification cycle, performance was assessed through both office audits and onboard ship surveys, offering a well-rounded perspective on operational compliance and sustainability practices.

While individual scores and rankings remain private, the results provide valuable insights into overall performance. Every score within the Green Award program goes above and beyond international standards:

• 69.5% overall compliance score from office audits
• 72.5% overall compliance score from ship surveys
• Highest observed scores reached 80.8% and 80.5%, respectively

These results reflect strong alignment with key environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, especially those tied to energy efficiency, emissions reduction, crew welfare, and responsible waste management.

A broader view: Benchmarks on specific topics

The 2024 edition includes benchmarking across selected focus areas, including:

• Fatigue Management, Sewage Management, and Grey Water Treatment
• Stern Tube Lubrication and Extra Personnel management
• New emphasis on biofouling, fire safety, and enclosed space entry procedures

Each area is connected with specific UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ESG principles, reinforcing how Green Award requirements support broader global targets.

Expanding impact: More certified ships, more incentives

The Green Award program continues to grow in both scope and recognition:

• Over 210+ incentive providers, including 47 ports in 16 countries, now offer tangible benefits to certified vessels.
• 73 ships have qualified for the Intermediate Survey Scheme.
• 53 sea-going vessels have earned a GHG Label (CO₂), and 7 attained a CH₄ (methane) label.
• 55 oil/chemical tankers and 10 LPG carriers have been newly certified over the past few years.
• The first Car Carrier has also joined the certified fleet, a new step for this vessel type within the program.

Certificate Holders’ performance based on office audits and ship surveys, all measured in line with requirements that go above and beyond international standards.

Looking ahead: Version 2025 and beyond

As part of our strategic plan and digital transformation efforts, the upcoming version 2025 of the Green Award requirements will introduce refinements in critical areas such as:

• Environmental Requirements during the Voyage

• Fire safety on Ro-Ro vessels
• Crew fatigue monitoring
• Bilge water outfitting
• Biofouling and sewage standards

The Green Award Foundation remains committed to driving meaningful change across the maritime industry by recognizing frontrunners and supporting continuous improvement.