Sweden to introduce environmental certification system

The system was developed by eight companies in cooperation with the Swedish Marine Technology Forum.

An environmental certification system for pleasure boats is expected to be launched in Sweden over the coming weeks.

The system was developed by eight companies in cooperation with the Swedish Marine Technology Forum, a non-profit organisation that unites the maritime industry in Sweden.

“It’s all about making everyone use the same language,” says project manager Jacqueline Widström at the Swedish Marine Technology Forum.

The system consists of a five-degree scale, with green symbolising “best choice” and red “unacceptable”. It covers three areas: the surrounding environment, drive and production. Results from all three areas will be used in the classification.

“Customers buying a new boat will be able to use this system to choose the right boat,” says Widström. “For example, they can look at differences in fuel consumption and how that affects the environment. In the long run this system can also be used for the recycling of boats."

The boating industry in Sweden has also been deeply involved in the development of the certification. Ulf Hansén, former managing director of Ryds, is one of the representatives from the boatbuilding group.

A special tool called EcoBoat will be used for the certification. There will be a special website for this tool, where consumers and dealers can find declarations and search for information.