Introduction and Purpose

 

At SMT Shipping, we recognise our responsibility to operate in a manner that is sustainable, ethical, and socially responsible. As a leading shipowner, we are committed to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into our business strategy, operations, and decision-making processes. This ESG policy outlines our commitments to minimising environmental impact, promoting social welfare, and ensuring strong governance across all aspects of our business.

 

1. Environmental Commitment

 

1.1  Environmental Sustainability Goals

We are dedicated to reducing our environmental footprint through proactive measures, including:

• • Emission Reduction: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices to minimise greenhouse gas emissions from our fleet, with a long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Investing in cleaner fuels, such as low-sulfur fuel, and exploring alternative energy sources like LNG, biofuels, and wind-assisted propulsion.
  • Waste Management: Adopting best practices for waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal of hazardous materials, including oil, plastics, and chemicals.

1.2 Compliance and Standards

We comply with all relevant environmental regulations, including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), and Ballast Water Management Convention. We also commit to closely following the evolving standards and industry best practices.

 

1.3 Climate Change Strategy

We recognise the impact of climate change on our operations and are committed to:

• • • • Conducting regular climate risk assessments and integrating findings into our risk management framework.
      • Supporting global efforts to combat climate change through participation in industry initiatives and collaborations aimed at reducing the maritime sector's environmental impact.

 

1.4 Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection

We strive to minimise our impact on marine ecosystems by:

• • • • Implementing ballast water management systems to prevent the spread of invasive species.
      • Reducing underwater noise pollution to protect marine life.
      • Adopting responsible ship recycling practices at the end of our vessels' life cycles.

 

2. Social Commitment

2.1. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and have equal opportunities for growth and development. We promote gender equality and seek to increase the representation of underrepresented groups within our workforce.

 

2.2. Human Rights and Labour Practices

We uphold the highest standards of human rights across our operations and supply chains. This includes:

• • • • Ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to collective bargaining for all our employees.
        • Rejecting any form of human trafficking, forced labour, child labour, or discrimination.

 

2.3. Crew Welfare and Safety  

The safety and well-being of our crew members are paramount. We are committed to:

• • • • Providing ongoing training on safety procedures and emergency response.
      • Ensuring that all vessels meet or exceed safety standards and are equipped with the necessary safety gear.
      • Promoting a healthy work-life balance through proper scheduling, mental health support, and access to healthcare.

 

2.4. Community Engagement

We believe in giving back to the communities where we operate and strive to make a positive impact through:

• • • • Local Partnerships: Collaborating with local communities, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), and governments to support education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives, particularly in port cities and regions affected by our operations.
      • Charitable Contributions: Providing financial support and in-kind donations to community projects, disaster relief efforts, and other philanthropic causes that align with our values.
      • Volunteer Programmes: Encouraging our employees to participate in volunteer activities and community service, offering paid leave for volunteer work and recognising their contributions.

 

3. Governance Commitment

3.1. Ethical Business Practices

We are committed to conducting our business with the highest level of integrity and transparency. This includes:

• • • • Anti-Corruption: Enforcing a strict zero-tolerance policy on bribery, corruption, and unethical behaviour across all levels of our organisation.
      • Transparency: Ensuring transparent reporting and communication with stakeholders, including investors, employees, and the public, regarding our ESG performance and initiatives.
      • Whistleblower Protection: Establishing secure channels for reporting unethical behaviour and ensuring that whistleblowers are protected from retaliation.

 

3.2. Board Oversight and Accountability

Our board of directors plays a critical role in overseeing our ESG strategy and ensuring that we meet our commitments. We are committed to:

• • • • ESG Integration: Regularly reviewing and integrating ESG considerations into our business strategy, risk management, and decision-making processes.
      • Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engaging with stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and the public, to ensure that their perspectives are considered in our governance processes.
      • Performance Monitoring: Setting clear ESG goals, regularly monitoring progress, and holding management accountable for achieving these objectives.

 

3.3. Compliance and Risk Management

We prioritise compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and international standards, and are committed to:

• • • • Regulatory Compliance: Staying up to date with and adhering to all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards, including those related to environmental protection, labour rights, and corporate governance.
      • Risk Management: Implementing robust risk management practices that identify, assess, and mitigate ESG-related risks across our operations, including climate risk, supply chain risks, and reputational risks.
      • Continuous Improvement: Committing to the continuous improvement of our ESG practices through regular audits, assessments, and updates to our policies and procedures.

 

3.4. Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

In today’s digital world, we recognise the importance of protecting sensitive information. We are dedicated to:

• • • • Data Protection: Ensuring that all personal and business data is handled with the utmost care and in compliance with data protection laws and regulations.
      • Cybersecurity: Implementing advanced cybersecurity measures to protect our systems from breaches, cyber threats, and unauthorized access, and regularly updating our defences to address emerging risks.

 

Conclusion

At SMT Shipping, our commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles is at the core of our business strategy. We are dedicated to being a responsible shipowner by minimising our environmental impact, fostering social responsibility, and upholding the highest standards of governance. We believe that by integrating these principles into every aspect of our operations, we can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for all. We will continue to review and refine our ESG policies to meet the evolving needs of our stakeholders and the global community. To ensure transparency and accessibility, our ESG policy is made available to all potentially affected stakeholders and those responsible for its implementation through regular communications, our company website, and dedicated training sessions.