Last October, Brittany marina and longstanding TransEurope Marinas member Saint-Quay Port d’Armor, was awarded Ports Propres certification.
The “Ports Propres” (Clean Harbours) certification, created in 2011, aims to encourage all operations that contribute to improving the environmental quality of ports. It is awarded to ports that implement a set of measures to better manage waste and pollution from port activities.
For boaters, certification is a guarantee of quality, sustainable management and environmental preservation. Since June 4, 2024, this certification has become a worldwide standard, known as ISO 18725.
Do be able to obtain this certification, the following steps need tbe followed:
- An environmental diagnostic study: status report, sources of pollution, action plan to improve environmental protection.
- Implementation of facilities to manage chronic pollution: boat washdown water, special waste, household waste, wastewater.
- Implementation of facilities to manage accidental pollution: hydrocarbons, noxious substances, containers, macro- waste, etc.
- Training of marina personnel.
Raising awareness among all port users: boaters, walkers, boating professionals, tourism professionals, recreational fishers, etc.
Jean-François RIAT, Director of Saint-Quay Port d’Armor, commented on the achievement:
This certification rewards the work of the port team, for whom respect for the environment has always been a commitment.
For boaters in the marina, the certification implies using environmentally friendly equipment and preserving natural resources. It also involves organisaitng awareness-raising campaigns for boaters (e.g. the Ecogestes campaign); keeping the site clean, respecting and improving waste sorting. This Afnor certification, based on a technical reference framework, is part of a process of continuous improvement, which also motivates the harbour team. This recognition is awarded for a period of 3 years.
The “Port Propres” approach is voluntary although recommended, given that environmental management has become essential, with multiple regulations becoming increasingly complex.
