The Greening Award Initiative, set up to celebrate the sustainability actions that are carried out and developed across more than 170 authorities that make up the European Coast Guard community, has closed its second edition.

The Initiative is jointly organised by the three European agencies tasked with supporting national authorities carrying out Coast Guard Functions: the European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex).

 It recognises projects and activities developed by authorities carrying out Coast Guard Functions which empower a green transition, contribute to a more sustainable future, and which directly or indirectly support the goals of the European Green Deal.

The winners and special commendations were announced at the Annual European Coast Guard Event, organised by EMSA, and held on 09-10 June 2026.

The categories are:

Greening Operations

🥇Winner: Environmentally friendly hovercraft at external EU sea borders (Poland)

📜Special commendation: Heroinas de Salvora (Spain)

📜Special commendation: Multipurpose maritime vessel Duque de Ahumada (Spain)

🥇Future Vanguard of Sustainability Award: The first sail-powered maritime patrol vessel (France)

Outreach & Awareness

🥇Winner: COnsolidating Sea Turtle conservation in the Azores (Portugal)

📜Special commendation: Faces and Traces of the Sea (Italy)

Greening at Work

🥇Winner: Operational sustainability in coast guard stations AND More life in lifesaving equipment (Ireland)

📜Special commendation: Green Port Mobility & Digital Welfare for Seafarers (Italy)

Science & Sustainability

🥇Winner: HIGH NORTH (Italy)

📜Special commendation: Port and biodiversity: A pioneering conservation project for the Audouin’s Gull (Spain)