Volvo Ocean Race has chosen DNV Software to enable and simplify environmental monitoring and reporting. The Environmental Performance System provides a cost-efficient, continuous and holistic view over environmental effects from the Volvo Ocean Race operations.

DNV Software has configured the Environmental Performance System to the needs of the Volvo Ocean Race. The indicators measured will cover all elements of the Race – the event organisation, sponsors, the teams and their boats.

The main objective is to clearly identify areas for environmental improvement, as well as creating a benchmark against which to measure future races. Says Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race: “I am in no doubt that we need to expand and develop the Race in a sustainable way, and take our corporate social responsibility as well as our environmental management seriously.

“To be able to do so, we need to establish a benchmark and work out how to develop the different areas. I am pleased that DNV, one of the most recognised and experienced companies in this field, will be working with us to conduct a proper environmental audit. “The boats and the sailors can become excellent ambassadors for a positive environmental message. I am confident that we can also develop our boats and energy consumption in a way that can benefit even areas and industries outside our race. Wind as an energy source is on its way back, even in shipping – and this we shall be part of.”

Says Elling Rishoff, managing director of DNV Software: “We are very excited to be a part of the Volvo Ocean Race and its environmental effort through provision of our Environmental Performance System for all Race participants.” The Environmental Performance System is a web-based tool for calculating emissions from all areas of the Race, including fossil fuel usage for chase boats, air transport, container transport, and the small amount used to power the electrical and electronic equipment onboard each Race yacht. Continues Rishoff: “By comparing results from registrations and calculations against the Volvo Ocean Race’s acceptance criteria, it will be possible to quickly establish where improvements are required.”

The onboard media crew members (MCM) are also involved in the environmental programme, as some of their duties are centred on a water-sampling programme run in conjunction with Race partner Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics. At a pre-determined time each day, the MCM will take a sea water sample and test it with a 'luminometer’. The results are recorded along with air temperature, cloud cover, water temperature and the GPS position of the boat. This information will be sent to Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s Gothenburg laboratory, where it will form part of an international study on the discharge of ballast water from ships.