A green milestone
During 2023, Ulstein Verft has worked systematically to comply with the Environmental ISO 14001 standard accredited by DNV and was granted the certificate of conformity towards this standard on the 08th of December.
Torben Sandvik is the QA Manager of Ulstein Verft and has been the lead responsible for establishing the system structure and implementing the Environmental standard ISO 14001:2015.
"This is not a one-man show", says Sandvik, "the process of being certified is a thorough one. You have the procedures and standards on one side, but they need to be followed and incorporated into the routines of our day-to-day work".
The QA Manager praises the excellent teamwork and mutual understanding throughout the divisions of the company.
Sandvik says, "If we don’t share a common goal, this kind of work can be quite difficult. Here we are united, and for Ulstein as a company, it is important to keep a close eye on how our activities impact the environment".
What is the ISO 14001?
"The ISO 14001 is the most recognized international standard for environmental management systems and is used worldwide", comments the QA Manager.
Sandvik adds that ISO 14001 guides organizations to enhance their environmental performance in harmony with their environmental policy commitments. This standard helps identify and manage the environmental aspects of various activities, products, and services, ensuring continuous improvement. It also aids in establishing environmental policies and objectives, implementing effective controls, and complying with legal requirements.
Additionally, ISO 14001 seamlessly integrates with other management systems' ISO 9001, for which Ulstein has already been certified.
Why be certified?
The QA Manager points out several reasons why Ulstein chose to be certified: "It helps us implement an environmental management system tailored to Ulstein's needs. What gets measured can be managed".
Sandvik also emphasizes that being ISO 14001 certified will give Ulstein a framework to enhance environmental performance, monitor progress, and reduce pollution, waste, and unintended discharges. Further, this can improve resource and energy use and potentially lowering operational costs, and at the same time ensure compliance with environmental laws and corporate policies.
"Finally, and most importantly", says the QA Manager, "this is ongoing work. Being ISO 14001 certified is nice, but we do this so Ulstein can be a responsible partner. And if we are to follow our vision and create tomorrow’s solutions for sustainable marine operations, we must show it through our actions".
Related
QHSE policy
We are a long-term partner working to ensure future competitiveness and sustainable growth.
Ulstein has a set of principles and guidelines to ensure the safety and health of our employees and those visiting us, protect the environment, and maintain the quality of our products and services.
Towards a sustainable maritime future
Our vision is to create tomorrow’s solutions for sustainable marine operations. We care for the natural environment and the society we are a part of, and sustainable growth is at the core of what we do. We have been around for 100 years, and we aim to keep going for generations to come.
