Following shipyards, the ports: focus on Bordeaux Port

The Green Marine Europe initiative is taking a significant step forward by extending its rigorous environmental certification to include commercial ports. Leading the way in this pilot project is the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux (GPMB), a historic and innovative hub in the maritime industry.

A Pioneering Port

The Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux is no stranger to sustainability efforts. Certified Green Marine Europe in its role as a dredging shipowner since 2024 (for the year 2023), the GPMB is setting a benchmark by committing to our pilot project for port certification.

“Ports are essential hubs in the supply chain,” explains Jean-Frédéric LAURENT, Managing Director of the Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux. “Their sustainability efforts—such as providing greener energy sources and improving waste management—play a pivotal role in reducing the maritime industry’s environmental impact.”

Why This Matters

Ports like Bordeaux are critical players in the journey toward a more sustainable maritime industry. From reducing emissions to preserving biodiversity, their actions have far-reaching consequences for local ecosystems and global shipping practices. For the GPMB, this project represents an opportunity to refine its practices and minimize impacts on the Gironde Estuary, a sensitive and vital ecological area.

The timing is particularly significant. Bordeaux recently hosted the 19th edition of Les Assises de l'économie de la mer while celebrating the port’s centenary. This dual milestone underscores the region’s maritime heritage and its forward-thinking approach to environmental challenges.

The Roadmap for Green Marine Europe Ports

The extension of Green Marine Europe certification to ports involves a structured and collaborative timeline:

• 2024: Initial assessments to align the program with local contexts and regulatory frameworks.
• 2025: Development of a self-evaluation guide tailored for European ports.
• 2026: Official launch of the first certifications.

This phased approach ensures that the program is robust, adaptable, and impactful.

Promoting a culture of sustainability

The certification of ports underlines the broader mission of Green Marine Europe: fostering a culture of sustainability across all facets of the maritime industry. By setting clear standards and encouraging continuous improvement, the program drives positive change that benefits both the environment and the industry’s long-term viability.

Watch the Full Interview: Don’t miss our exclusive conversation with Jean-Frédéric LAURENT, where he delves deeper into the port’s sustainability journey. 

Learn more about the GPMB’s certification as a shipowner dredger. The Grand Port Maritime de Bordeaux is fitting out two dredging vessels to maintain the Gironde navigation channel, a vital element for an estuary port, in a protected environment.