By
Alex Smith |
As early as 1997, before the environment and climate became the talk-of-the-town in the marine industry, IRON Pump submitted the first ‘Green Accounts’. Since then, we have obtained the ISO14001 certification and environment, and sustainability is highly prioritised.
Our pumps are sustainable in themselves. They are built to last for many years and are not a 'use-and-dispose-of' product. We see pump installations still in operation after 15, 20 and 30 years and we are always working to get better; optimising pump design and efficiency, consuming less and recycling more in our production.
The EU and International Maritime Organization have been pushing for further rules in the maritime area in recent years, and this is a development that IRON Pump supports.
For our customers, energy consumption on board has not been an issue for many years, energy was simply in abundance. The reality is different now and the value of our energy optimised pumps is finally recognised. We want to ensure that our pumps are run optimally. Even the most energy-friendly pump can become the opposite if not operated properly, a bit like if you were constantly driving your car in first gear. Therefore, to a large extent we see ourselves as more than a pump supplier, and more like partners to our customers when they have to choose the best pump for the job.
The pump in the use phase is just one side of sustainability but we also look at the entire value chain around a pump. A newly prepared life-cycle assessment on one of our pumps helps us zoom in on the overall carbon dioxide footprint of a pump. Such an exercise provides a good opportunity to rethink the business from A-Z; how we can improve on environmental goals and thus help our customers achieve their goals.
Anders Frimodt-Møller is CEO of IRON Pump