Carleen Lyden Walker, Co-Founder and CEO of the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), made a significant announcement at the latest NAMEPA All-Hands Meeting, revealing a remarkable surge in participation for the groundbreaking Maritime Sustainability Passport (MSP) Program.

“We are thrilled to witness a remarkable upsurge in MSP Program enrollments this year,” stated Ms. Walker. “Notably, a diverse array of entities, including corporations, individuals, seafarers, and students, have embraced the MSP Program, with some actively engaging and others successfully completing it. Impressively, the program has achieved a staggering growth rate exceeding 300% compared to the previous year.”

The MSP Program stands as the maritime industry’s premier and longest-standing sustainability initiative, distinguished by its comprehensive framework and the annual updates it receives. “As we progress through 2023, we eagerly anticipate continued engagement from the maritime industry,” expressed Ms. Walker. “The growing interest and collaboration witnessed across the sector inspire confidence in our collective dedication to preserving our oceans through NAMEPA’s ‘Save Our Seas’ mission.”

Notably, the MSP Program’s accomplishments have been fortified through an invaluable partnership with ESGPlus LLC. Since its inception in June 2020, ESGPlus has played a pivotal role in shaping and elevating the MSP Program, contributing significantly to its achievements.

With the ongoing momentum and resounding success of the MSP Program, NAMEPA remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering sustainable practices within the maritime realm. By fostering industry-wide awareness and action, the program continues to steer the maritime industry toward a greener and more environmentally responsible future.

Participant’ comments reinforce the sense that NAMEPA’s MSP program is working the way it was envisioned:

I think that the MSP Program includes many areas within a company that are important to have. Our company is conscious about Sustainability and the impacts it has if these programs are not carried out, that is why we are committed to the actions we need to take to contribute socially, governance and environmental angles. We participated in the MSP Program because for us it is important to have the points that make us a more solid company and reinforce our commitment to the environment. We are doing our best to be an international company, and these programs help us raise our standards. – Maritime Procurement Services

We are proud to participate in the MSP Program. The program is a complex verification which gives us opportunity to review our standards and see if they are enough to reach ESG standards. It is our ambition to be the leading company in our industry. Participation in the MSP Program is also a good opportunity for further development. And to have the MSP Seal is a great opportunity to show our clients that we are trustful company well organized with implemented high environmental protection and social standards – SIEM Ship Management