The Green Blue and the Crown Estate congratulate online marine toolkit users 

Four marinas congratulated for their commitment to sustainable boating.

The Green Blue (TGB), the environmental initiative of the RYA and the BMF congratulated Bangor Marina, Deganwy Quays Marina, Conwy Quays Marina and Hythe Marina Village (MDL) for completing the TGB Marine Toolkit; an online self-assessment toolkit that helps marine organisations identify and action environmental improvements.  

At a reception hosted by The Crown Estate at the PSP Southampton Boat Show (Thursday 20 September) Chief Executive Alison Nimmo along with Jane Swan, TGB Project Manager, presented the marinas with their Green Blue Marine Toolkit Certificates.

The four marinas include: Hythe Marina Village, Conwy Quays Marina, Deganwy Quays Marina and Bangor Marina.  

Receiving the certificates, which acknowledge their commitments to sustainable boating, were; Adrian Gilson on behalf of Hythe Marina Village (MDL), Jon Roberts on behalf of Deganwy Quays Marina and Conwy Quays Marina (Quay Marinas) and Kevin Baird on behalf of Bangor Marina (Quay Marinas).  

Adrian Gilson, Manager at Hythe Marina Village said: “We’ve made real improvements in recent months. We now recycle 100% of our hazardous waste, 100% of the energy we purchase is generated from renewable sources and we have introduced water saving taps on hosepipes this year. All the street lighting around the site is energy saving, including the lighting on the pontoons.”    

Environmental improvements

All four organisations have used the toolkit to make environmental improvements at their sites.  Conwy Quays Marina washroom facilities have been upgraded with energy efficient lighting and rainwater harvesting, Deganwy Quays Marina now recycles 25% of its waste thanks to improved recycling facilities and Bangor Marina has also improved its onsite recycling facilities working with North Down Borough Council’s Recycling & Waste Minimisation team.

Hythe Marina Village has tackled oil and fuel pollution prevention with staff incident response training, installing drain markers to protect surface water drains and offering berth holders bilge socks and fuel collars.  

Certificate recipient Jon Roberts said: “We’re delighted to have benefited from The Green Blue’s marine toolkit and we would encourage every marina to get in touch with them and take advantage of their information and resources. It’s a very positive step for the RYA, BMF and The Crown Estate to be working so closely on this project, it’s a win-win opportunity for all involved.”  

Recognition of positive steps

Jane Swan, The Green Blue’s Project Manager commented: “We have presented certificates to these particular organisations to recognise the positive steps they have taken to make their marinas more sustainable.  

“By presenting them at today’s Crown Estate reception we were able to acknowledge the tremendous support that The Crown Estate has given to The Green Blue to run the project. Over 100 organisations have registered with the toolkit and we have completed over 180 site visits to marinas, harbours and clubs using the framework of the Marine Toolkit as a guide.”  

Alison Nimmo said “The Crown Estate works hard to ensure that its commercial approach is balanced with a clear recognition of its stewardship responsibilities. Projects such as The Green Blue, supported by the Marine Stewardship Programme, enable us to blend both stewardship and sustainability; we are delighted to acknowledge the success of the programme and the progress of these four marinas with today's presentation."  

Assistant Marina Manager at Bangor Marina, Kevin Baird commented: “The Green Blue marine toolkit has helped us to benchmark our current environmental performance as well as identify areas for improvement, in particular our recycling facilities.  We are passionate about protecting our coastal waters and recognise that a clean marine environment is fundamental to the enjoyment of all recreational boat users.”  

From left to right: Alison Nimmo, Chief Executive The Crown Estate, Adrian Gilson, Marina Manager, MDL Hythe Marina Village, Jon Roberts, Area Manager, Deganwy and Conwy Quays Marinas, Kevin Baird, Assistant Marina Manager, Bangor Marina, Quay Marinas, Jane Swan, Project Manager, The Green Blue Photographer: Paul Carter

To find out more about the Marine Toolkit and sustainable boating visit www.marinetoolkit.co.uk  www.thegreenblue.org.uk