Fosnavåg: Handling the life cycle of a ship in a green manner is still something a number of shipowners are keen to do, despite the downturn, argues the head of one of the world’s top green shipping consulting firms.
Gry Cecilie Sydhagen, ceo of Norwegian consulting firm Metizoft, tells Maritime CEO: “What we see in our clients is that thinking long term even if the rates go in troughs, these customers also take the extra costs with green recycling to preserve the best possible footprint and sustainability.”
Metizoft’s mission statement maintains that “it is possible to make shipping a green process, all the way from production and operation, to recirculation and scrapping of vessels”.
The firm is a specialist in getting owners a prized Green Passport.
Metizoft was founded in 2006 on behalf of an approach from a nearby yard. The company now operates worldwide.
“By achieving a Green Passport you are taking responsibility for the global climate, and also giving the employees offshore a safer place to work,” Sydhagen says. “By taking actions today you will be more able and prepared to handle the conventions that will be put into force in near future,” she adds.
Talking of conventions, Sydhagen admits that the Hong Kong convention on ship recycling will be a tough one to get universal acceptance, nevertheless, based in Europe, she is not too worried.
“The upcoming EC/EU regulations is very much appreciated by Metizoft,” she says, “that means that EC makes their own ‘Hong Kong convention’ because it is not going fast enough.
Also, the fact that Norway is one of very few countries to be ratifying the Hong Kong convention thus far is “good news” for Metizoft.
Sydhagen grew up amidst the shipping industry. “I’ve been spoon fed maritime information and news since I was born,” she says.
Among the latest services offered by Metizoft is asbestos free declarations.
Other services offered include Completion.no, a complete document platform for construction and commissioning of marine projects.
The company can also place advisers on construction sites ensuring ships from conception to demolition are handled in the most environmentally friendly manner possible. [24/07/13]
Photograph: Per Eide
