“Ports Propres” (Clean Harbours) is a successful global certification system for marinas, which distinguishes itself by being based on the formal, global standard ISO 18725:2024, "Requirements for clean harbours and active biodiversity harbours." This standard is objectively and independently verified by an official ISO certification body and was developed by UPACA (France) drawing on expertise from 68 countries, making it currently unique as the world's only environmental ISO standard for marinas. Certified marinas are inspected annually by an objective national standards agency to ensure ongoing compliance.

The more advanced “Ports Propres Actifs en Biodiversité” (Biodiversity-Active Clean Harbours) part of the programme encourages marinas to adopt measures that support biodiversity conservation, leading to a much better understanding of the local flora and fauna. This work encourages teams to identify and conserve natural habitats within their facilities and also promotes the restoration and enhancement of degraded habitats to improve their biodiversity value.

Marinas start the process with a diagnostic assessment, identifying all types of pollution generated within the marina or affecting the marina from outside sources. A work plan is then developed to mitigate these identified forms of pollution and advance overall environmental sustainability within the marina.

Matters considered within the “Ports Propres” (Clean Harbours) scheme include water and energy saving, and the encouragement of advanced environmental practices such as wastewater recycling, transitioning to green energy, and also creating environmental awareness to encourage berth-holder engagement. An annual improvement plan serves to continuously advance sustainability practices in marinas.

For more information, visit: ports-propres.org