First tanker gets RINA Green Star

RINA has issued its Green Star environmental logo to the 35,000 dwt Shogun, in what is believed to be the first time a chemical/product tanker anywhere has achieved the voluntary Clean Air and Clean Sea standards which until now have been applied only to passenger ships.

The Shogun, an IMO 11 chemical/products carrier, has just been delivered to Italian owner Mediterranea di Navigazione from Korea's Hyundai Mipo yard. It will enter service on charter to Italy's major energy group ENEL, which has taken particular interest in the advanced environmental and technical features of the vessel.

RINA's Green Star logo has already been sought for several passenger ship newbuildings, as proof that they meet the highest possible environmental standards, in excess of current legislation. This is the first time the Green Star has been sought for a tanker, and Ugo Salerno, ceo of RINA, says, "Our green standards are proof of the highest level of commitment to the marine environment, and the certificate we have issued recognises the significant investment in technical and human resources made by Mediterranea de Navigazione to ensure its new vessel sets a new international standard for environmental friendliness."

Paolo Cagnoni, ceo of Mediterranea di Navigazione says, "We have always had a strong commitment to quality and the environment, and we achieved ISM and ISO certification long before it was compulsory. Now we are happy to be showing the world a lead in building and operating cleaner tankers. Leading the way in building an eco-friendly ship is not just a recognition of our social obligation to the delicate sector of the maritime transport business in which we operate, it is more a fundamental component of our business strategy, and a source of pride and success for our company."

A leading feature of the CLEAN SEA notation is that bunker tanks must be installed over double bottoms, to prevent accidental discharge of oil in a low speed accident. Ships must also be fitted with holding tanks for all black and grey water waste, to prevent organic pollution, and must meet the standards set down in the voluntary IMO MARPOL Annex IV. Special requirements ensure garbage is disposed of safely, and ships must not use TBT-based anti-foulings.

The CLEAN AIR notation sets limits on SOx and NOx emissions from the engines, and requires compliance with the voluntary standards of Annex VI to Marpol. RINA also sets requirements for refrigeration gases and their containment in the case of an accident, and sets controls for incineration plants.

A significant feature of the Green Star certification issued to the Shogun is control of the procedures for ballast water exchange, in a bid to reduce marine organism transfer.