Published on: 24 May 2023
We aim to move the event industry forward in every possible way
Oceandiva, the market leader in floating event venues, has announced it has received Green Award’s prestigious Gold Certificate with a Platinum Label for its new vessel ‘Oceandiva London’. This is the world’s very first carbon-neutral floating event venue to achieve this feat. The Platinum Label is the highest level of recognition awarded by Green Award for shipping companies committed to environmental protection, safety, and quality.
“We are delighted to receive the Green Award Gold certificate with a Platinum Label. Oceandiva London is the new standard for future vessels. This recognition demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and our leadership in the industry. We aim to move the event industry forward in every possible way. By exploring and experimenting we seek to advance the future of events, inspiring and showing our industry the many possibilities in which we can (and should!) progress,” says Edwin Petersen, CEO Oceandiva.
“I am very pleased that with the Oceandiva London, the UNITED RIVERS group of companies is setting an initial example of what sustainable shipping will look like in the future,” states Jelle van der Steeg, board member of UNITED RIVERS and managing director of Oceandiva International.
Sustainable waterborne transport
Green Award is a certification for ships that meet high safety and environmental standards. The programme encourages cleaner and safer shipping and consists of a three-tier certification; namely, Bronze, Silver and Gold certification levels and a Platinum label to stimulate innovations.
“I am proud that the Green Award for Inland Navigation is now extending to the UK, with the first Green Award-certified vessel on the Thames. I greatly appreciate the owners of the Oceandiva London, who not only talk about sustainability, but put it into practice, setting an example for others. This is ‘leading by example’. We sincerely hope that the Oceandiva London will inspire others to increase their sustainability efforts, contributing not only to the reduction of CO2 emissions, but also to the improvement of London’s air quality. Our congratulations therefore go to all involved for their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the maritime industry. We wish the ship, crew, and passengers safe sailing,” says J.A.A.J. Fransen (executive director at Green Award)
The first carbon-neutral floating event vessel
The state-of-the-art new events vessel was constructed at VEKA shipyards in the Netherlands and will be fully operated and managed by Smart Group, London’s leading venue caterers. Merging innovative architectural design with the latest technology, Oceandiva London is a 2.2Mw powered battery CO2-neutral event vessel and will be the first carbon-neutral powered vessel on the River Thames, leading the way to decarbonise the capital’s river. Some of the cutting-edge renewable technology featured on the vessel includes a PureBlue INNOPACK++ sewage treatment plant to recycle wastewater and a new HVAC system that has airflow as well as energy saving. Capable of 100% sustainable operation through its propulsion system and energy strategy, Oceandiva London utilises fast charging shore-based renewable energy, and a back-up biofuel generator.
Oceandiva London boasts impressive dimensions spanning three decks and measuring 86m in length, and 17m in breadth. With flexible event spaces, the vessel is capable of hosting conferences, exhibitions, receptions, gala dinners, award ceremonies, product launches, and brand activations once in full service. It will shortly be making its passage to the UK for commissioning, testing and superior fit out.
The trading company of Oceandiva London will be owned, managed and operated by the UK’s leading events and hospitality supplier, Smart Group, who deliver over 600 events each year from international sporting and cultural events including Royal Ascot Village and Lord’s to corporate and charitable functions for the NSPCC, Google and Adobe.
Greg Lawson, CEO, Smart Group commented: “We are excited to bring a spectacular and stylish new events venue to London, one that raises the bar for luxury venues on the Thames in terms of its quality and sustainability credentials. This latest accolade is recognition of our vision to deliver the most sustainably advanced event venue on water.”
