The “Clean Harbours” certification is a sign of environmental excellence in terms of environmental management of marinas.
It reflects a strong desire on the part of the marina managers to make concrete commitments to fight for the preservation of aquatic environments and the sustainable development of coastal and marine activities.
The process was initially started upon the observation that several thousand tons of toxic waste resulting from port activity (batteries, accumulators and accumulating batteries, waste oil, solvents, paint, paint cans, resins) as well as wastewater from careening, sewage and rainwater) were discharged into ports.
The Clean Harbours approach in 5 steps, prior to obtaining certification, is THE solution for ensuring the appropriate management of these areas, using methods and tools that meet these environmental challenges. It enables the managers of marinas to control chronic and accidental pollution, and toxic waste from the activity of the port, in accordance with the regulations in force.
The commitment of the managers of marinas in the Clean Harbours approach is voluntary. They are convinced of the need to be exemplary in terms of environment.
In order for their commitments to be acknowledged, the marinas that have used the Clean Harbours approach have their practices certified by an independent third party, such as AFNOR Certification. On the day of the audit leading to the certification, the auditor will check whether the port responds favorably to the criteria set out in standard ISO 18725 : “Clean Harbours” . This guarantees a total independence in decision making and a real impartiality in the award of the certification.
Since 2018, the harbours certified as Clean Harbours have been able to climb an additional step by acting in favour of biodiversity and obtain the certification “Ports Propres actif en biodiversité” ( active in biodiversity ).
Having started out as a French standard in 2008, Clean Harbours certification was adopted at European level in 2012, and has been an international standard since June 2024: “ISO 18725 Clean Harbours”, the only international environmental certification specifically for marinas! This standard incorporates the Certification “Port Propres actifs en biodiversité”.
Clean Harbours is the inseparable foundation of the ports of tomorrow, sustainable and exemplary ports