Environmental audit for Volvo Ocean Race

Kochi, Sep 26 (UNI) The Volvo Ocean Race will undergo a thorough environmental audit together with DNV (Det Norske Veritas) to identify areas for environmental improvement as well as creating a benchmark to measure future races.

According to a Cochin Port Trust (CPT) release here today, DNV Software has created a custom-built Environmental Performance System (EPS) for the Volvo Ocean Race which will involve and include the race organisers, the sponsors of the race as well as the teams and their boats.

''I am in no doubt that we need to grow and develop the Volvo Ocean Race in a sustainable way, and take our corporate social responsibility as well as our environmental management seriously,'' said Knut Frostad, CEO of Volvo Ocean Race.

The onboard media crew members (MCM) are also involved in the environmental programme, which includes water-sampling programme run in conjunction with race partner Wallenius Wilhelmsen Lines.

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, the release added.

The Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 will be the tenth running of this ocean marathon and will start from Alicante in Spain on October four.

UNI MA GM NVN RL BD2040