Friend of the Sea has recently launched the new international certification for sustainable shipping. Two large global shipping companies, GreenSea and Seatrade, audited by the third party auditor BMT Surveys, were found compliant with the Friend of the Sea criteria and have achieved the certification.

“Merchant shipping is currently carrying more than 90% of international trade. Although some shipping companies have already implemented several strict sustainability measures, there are still many of them which don’t even comply with the minimum requirements,” explains Paolo Bray, Founder and Director of Friend of the Sea. “This is why an international certification for sustainable shipping – such as Friend of the Sea – is fundamental for producers and retailers to easily select environmentally friendly shipping companies. This is even more important for companies which claim sustainability of their seafood’s origin.”

The Friend of the Sea certification criteria include pollution prevention, water and waste control, social accountability and sustainable seafood requirements.

GreenSea and Seatrade both have their operational offices in Antwerp, Belgium and carry frozen food products, including tuna and other seafood, around the world.

Greensea’s current fleet is composed of about 40 high-standard, small to middle-sized vessels with their own cargo gear and other handling equipment. All of the vessels have achieved the Friend of the Sea certification.

“Becoming a Friend of the Sea certified company is an important step forward for a dedicated shipping career like Green Sea,” says Hans Mol, Managing Director of GreenSea Chartering. “We have always been committed to sustainability and this certification recognizes our efforts and long-term commitment to responsible shipping.”

Seatrade, on the other hand, has a large fleet of around 100 specialized reefer vessels of various sizes; 16 of them have already achieved the certification.

“Seatrade has always promoted sustainable practices,” says Michiel Schaap of Seatrade Reefer Chartering. “Thanks to the Friend of the Sea certification we can now show a further evidence of our commitment to responsible shipping to our international customers.”

MORE INFORMATION

Friend of the Sea

Friend of the Sea is an international certification program for products from sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Over 450 companies in more than 50 countries have relied on Friend of the Sea to assess the sustainability of their seafood origins. Audits, based on best and most updated available scientific data, are run by accredited independent certification bodies.

www.friendofthesea.org

GreenSea

GreenSea is a shipping company that operates globally. Its large fleet of high-standards vessels ensures the efficient transfer of cargo and its delivery to different ports around the world. One of the most distinguishing characteristics of the company is its dedicated approach and human touch. GreenSea’s priority is to build strong relationships with its specialized clients and to offer the best service to all of them.

www.greensea.be

Seatrade

Seatrade is an international reefer shipping company. With over 60 years of experience, the company provides a comprehensive service worldwide, including full cargo monitoring throughout the process and full document handling. Reliability, innovation, quality and financial strength are the key success factors for the company, which offers year-round and seasonal services for al types of refrigerated cargoes.

www.seatrade.com

BMT Surveys

BMT Surveys is a large multi-disciplinary survey organization, with offices in London, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Amsterdam and Geneva, serving a broad range of customers in marine underwriting, shipping lines and liability insurers. The company, fully independent through its constitution as an employee benefit trust, employs 42 nautical, cargo and technical specialists, with a wide range of expertise and is active on a global scale. BMT Surveys is part of the BMT Group.

www.bmtsurveys.com

www.bmt.org