Maritime port industry has begun to heed calls by marine conservationist to engage in more environmentally conscious practices and awareness. Guidelines and standards are being developed to define steps required to reduce carbon footprint on the goods and people transported at sea. There have been significant advances in research and development in the environmental sustainability of maritime shipping by implementing new greener technologies, future fuels, and emissions control.

However, it remains difficult to identify the cleanest or most environmentally friendly shipping port as each entity is marked by different regulations, strategies, and technology innovations and governed by different laws for marine conservation and biodiversity. Friend of the Sea has subsequently developed a new certification standard, with the aim of improving the vision of “unlocking” Port Managers adapting specific tools in protecting marine environment and its resources through conservation projects and activities, while also involving & promoting with other ports stakeholders for a synergic wider approach, that including other WSO projects.