No harm to the oceans

Our approach

As a seafaring business, Stena Line has a responsibility to protect the oceans from harm. Identifying the best course of action is challenging since one action that is positive for one aspect, can be negative for another. Some paints used for hull paints, for example, can be negative for biodiversity but positive for the climate.

Our ambition is to take a leadership position in the maritime industry in this area. Today we go beyond the regulatory requirements of International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), as well as regional and country-level regulations. We have signed up to the voluntary Green Marine certification programme, which covers a broad range of aspects, including aquatic invasive species, oily discharge, underwater noise and waste management. We are also supporting research to broaden knowledge about the impact of shipping.

Research

• We are supporting research into the impact of shipping on the oceans, such as providing information of water management on our vessels and contributing to what a future proofed port need to look like from a sustainability point of view

Examples of activities today

• We are testing different types of paint on the hulls of our ships.
• Although we’re allowed to pump cleaned bilge water overboard, Stena Line chooses to pump it ashore, where it can be treated in a proper cleaning facility.
• We are working to reduce the volumes of detergents with hazardous content.