Collaborative center for companies, communities, and other stakeholders committed to sustainable and safe business practices in ocean industries. 

WHAT IS THE GOAL? 

The Ocean Center is an initiative that aims to create collaborative platforms for companies, communities, and other stakeholders committed to sustainable and safe business practices in ocean industries. The project, implemented in 7 countries, is supervised by the UN Global Compact (UNGC), through the Ocean Stewardship Coalition (OSC) department, with grants from the Lloyds Register Foundation (LRF). Together, the two organizations seek to accelerate the work of the Global Compact’s Local Networks to encourage local actors to adopt and integrate safety into all business practices and programs in a sustainable manner. 

HOW TO ACHIEVE IT? 

Engaging the private sector in initiatives like the Ocean Center, which represents more than an environmental commitment: it is a strategic decision for business longevity. The global climate regulation scenario and the increasing costs associated with carbon emissions reinforce that investing in decarbonization is not a choice, but a necessity. Furthermore, new technologies are emerging and Brazil has great potential to be at the forefront of this issue. 

The work of the Working Group, by mapping challenges and opportunities and promoting the implementation of pilot projects, offers companies concrete tools to lead the energy transition, reducing financial and operational risks associated with inaction. Participating in this movement positions companies as pioneers and strengthens their competitiveness in national and international markets. Additionally, the exchange with other local networks and the support of OSC and LRF will add even more value to the work carried out in the country. 

CONTEXT 

Phase 1 (Scoping Phase) was carried out from July 2022 to August 2023, through the Ocean Business Working Group, which produced a national report addressing key issues on the decarbonization of Brazil’s port and maritime fleet, stakeholders, and the capacity of local networks. 

Phase 2 (Implementation Phase) of the Ocean Center will build on these results to create a community of stakeholders committed to addressing specific gaps and opportunities for a safe and sustainable ocean economy in Brazil. 

Phase 3 (Post-Implementation Phase) will be based on the results achieved throughout the process and how the institutions holding the Ocean Centers will address the subsequent challenges. 

HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? 

The Ocean Center promotes a collaborative approach, with regular meetings for networking, sharing best practices, and monitoring the planned deliverables. These moments allow participating companies to learn from each other and adjust their strategies according to the lessons learned from real cases. 

The development of decarbonization pilot projects and the integration of innovative practices into the supply chain further expand the reach and benefits for participants. In this way, the Ocean Center not only accelerates the implementation of decarbonization and other more sustainable practices, but also fosters a more robust and resilient business ecosystem. 

PREREQUISITES FOR PARTICIPATION 

Companies must be part of the Water, Ocean and Waste Action Platform and the Climate Action Platform. 

Access the publication resulting from the first phase of the project: 

Accelerating Port and Maritime Decarbonization in Brazil – Framework For Action (Portuguese or English)