Ship Suppliers Urged to 'Go Green'
International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA) encourages members to adopt eco-friendly practices
The International Shipsuppliers & Services Association (ISSA) is encouraging its members to implement green policies and achieve internationally-recognised environmental standards under its flagship Green ISSA initiative.
Jens Olsen, ISSA President, said: “We believe that the modern ship supply industry must have environmental considerations at the heart of its business practices and we are encouraged to see that many of our members are already working towards achieving international environmental standards.”
ISSA, which has almost 2,000 members worldwide, is strongly encouraging its members to achieve the International Organisation for Standardisation’s ISO 140000 certification. Standards for environmental management systems are set out in ISO14001:2004, while ISO14004:2004 gives general guidelines for companies initiating environmental policies.
In addition to complying with international regulations, there are numerous ways in which ship suppliers can ensure their business takes proper consideration of environmental concerns including:
- Minimising waste
- Introducing biodegradable packaging
- Ensuring fridges and freezers are operating efficiently and economically
- Avoiding unnecessary delivery journeys to vessels
- Using vehicles with low emissions or that run on eco-fuels
Mr Olsen pointed out: “In addition to helping the environment, some of these measures can save companies money themselves – particularly by consolidating deliveries to ports which now charge fees of up to $100 per visit.”
Environmental measures are on the agenda for discussion during the forthcoming ISSA Annual Convention meeting in Cadiz, Spain, from May 25-26.