Floating Forest is a new organisation which has been created to help offset some of the emissions produced by different types of shipping. The organisation will embrace all elements of the industry, including cargo vessels, tankers, cruise liners, ferries and leisure craft.

Floating Forest is already attracting enthusiastic support from within the industry. Mark Dickinson, assistant general secretary of Nautilus UK, the union for maritime professionals, said “Floating Forest is a very interesting development - one we have encouraged and supported from the outset, and I am hopeful we can become involved on an ongoing basis to ensure it is taken up by the industry.”

The UK Chamber of Shipping’s Robert Ashdown said “There’s no reason why this scheme shouldn’t be launched as soon as possible.”

Whilst there are discussions going on within the International Maritime Association about emission trading, Floating Forest would welcome contact with people within the shipping industry to discuss this initiative.

The scheme will enable the shipping world to very visibly show the public, governments, clients and passengers that the shipping industry is not unsympathetic to the plight of the planet and is actively doing something positive about it.

The scheme will not only emphasise the industry’s vital contribution to world trade, but also its commitment to be environmentally responsible.

Floating Forest will work on the basis of the 3C principles – Carbon, Conservation and Community. By planting trees and conserving existing woodlands and forests, Floating Forest will offset some of the emissions caused by shipping whilst benefiting the communities with whom it works, as well as aiding conservation by preserving and maintaining existing indigenous woodlands.

The idea for Floating Forest came from the founders of Flying Forest who will administer the scheme, arrange for the planting of the trees and report to a steering committee which will include senior representatives of
the shipping world.

Initially the trees will be planted in Southern Africa, one of the regions of the world which will be worst affected by climate change. The main focus will be on planting in those communities which have a maritime connection as well as preserving forests and woodlands along the coasts

For more information or to discuss Floating Forest contact: info@flyingforest.org