Green Marine Europe, a structuring tool for the maritime industry’s sustainability

Green Marine Europe, the European maritime industry’s environmental certification program, presented its 2024 performance report at the Green Shipping Industry Day, co-organised with the Horizon Europe CirclesOfLife and EcoShipYard consortia in Brussels on September 24th, 2025.

The program continues to confirm its growth dynamics: 80 members, including nearly 40 participants in the certification process, representing more than 530 certified vessels. Present in 12 European countries, Green Marine Europe is recognized for its high standards. It positions itself as a structuring tool to guide sustainability within the sector, going beyond current regulations.

Continuing progress

In 2024, Green Marine Europe recorded a 14% increase in the number of participants, bringing the total to 37, including 32 certified members (28 ship owners and four shipyards). Three new entities were certified for the first time in 2024: the Turkish shipyard Desan, marking a first for Turkey, as well as the Mystic Cruises and Mystic Ocean ship owners.

The program now has six times as many participants compared to when it launched in 2020 and it is opening its structure to ports in 2026.

Significant results, even with stricter regulations

The overall average is 2.3 out of 5, compared to 2.5 in 2023, with the decline attributed to stricter regulations. Nearly half of the participants improved by at least one level. Additionally, 26% of certified participants maintained their performance level.

On the ship owners’ side, the results confirm major advancements in air quality: 64% of the ship owners achieved Level 4 or 5 for SOx & PM (sulphur oxides and particulate matter), 79% attained Level 3 or higher for NOx (nitrogen oxide). However, only 14% of the ship owners reached Level 3 or higher for ship recycling, and 21% for underwater noise.

Shipyards confirmed their commitment to continual improvement with an overall average level of 2.1, which means that 85% of the assessed indicators reached Level 2.

A reference framework aligned with the European and international agenda

The criteria applicable to ship owners regarding greenhouse gases now set a target of 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030,  based on the well-to-wake approach. Similarly, the indicator for waste management has been revised thoroughly to prevent and reduce plastic pollution, and changes are planned for underwater noise, container loss and scrubber discharges.

These adjustments aim to incorporate into Green Marine Europe’s standards the requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the European Union’s Fit for 55 legislative package, the green taxonomy, and the work of the International Maritime Organization.

A new dimension with Green Marine International

Green Marine Europe is part of Green Marine International, a governance structure created in 2024 that brings together nearly 570 members in North America and Europe.  The programme is also involved in two key European consortia: CirclesOfLife, dedicated to circularity and sustainability in shipbuilding, and Pelagos, dedicated to the protection of cetaceans in the Mediterranean.

“Steering the transition means setting a clear course and getting teams on board. Our results prove it: 90% of the companies certified for more than three years have a solid environmental strategy, more than 80% of technical and CSR departments have seen increased engagement from their teams, and 77% of executives regard certification as a real differentiator. Green Marine Europe is a compass for transforming the maritime sector, combining high standards and credibility,” says Antidia Citores, Green Marine Europe’s General Manager.