The Green Blue (TGB) recently congratulated six marina operators for having successfully completed an online environmental self-assessment tool for marine organisations, known as the TGB Marine Toolkit.

The six marinas include: Carrickfergus Marina, Penarth Marina, Portland Marina, Clyde Marina, Plymouth Yacht Haven and Largs Yacht Haven who were presented with ‘The Green Blue Marine Toolkit Certificate’.

Paul Swain, Portland Marina, Simon Limb, Clyde Marina and Hannah Wagstaffe representing Plymouth Yacht Haven were present on the RYA Stand to receive their certificates from Garry Thompson, Coastal Manager at the Crown Estate.

Rob Stevens, Chief Executive of the British Marine Federation said: “It is great to see some of our (BMF) members benefiting from working with The Green Blue and I would encourage others to get in touch to see how the team can help them”.

Paul Swain, Assistant Marina Manager, Portland Marina “The Toolkit is very easy to use and its action plan was crucial in helping us to develop a more sustainable marina, reduce some of our costs and improve facilities for berth holders”.

In addition to completing the Toolkit the marinas have made good progress in implementing a series of environmental measures including filtering surface water so fuel and antifouling residue is not present (Portland Marina), providing spill kits to berth holders (Penarth Marina), using pontoons made from 100% recycled plastic (Plymouth Yacht Haven), and installing energy saving lighting (Clyde Marina).

Jane Swan, The Green Blue Project Manager. “Completing the Toolkit is no mean feat. Once completed however, it provides organisations with the groundwork they need to put in place cost effective environmental measures that will have a positive impact on their bottom line and their environmental performance.

“It also enables them to provide practical help to berth holders and boaters to minimise their impact on the environment whether they are out on the water, doing routine maintenance onshore or when they are berthed.

“To date 74 organisations have undertaken the Toolkit, ranging from marinas, clubs, charter companies, and event companies”.

The Green Blue Marine Toolkit is an online self-assessment tool that helps marine organisations to ensure that they are compliant with current environmental legislation, save money through more efficient usage of water, energy and materials and improve waste management systems.

For more information on The Green Blue Marine Toolkit go to www.marinetoolkit.co.uk