The Concrete Sustainability Council (CSC) has published an updated version of its Marine Aggregates (MA-CSC) certification scheme, introducing a new framework that recognizes the environmental performance of dredging vessels used in the extraction of marine aggregates.
Marine aggregates are sand and gravel resources extracted from designated seabed dredging zones in marine environments. They play an important role in the construction industry, supplying essential raw materials for concrete, infrastructure, and building projects. Due to their unique extraction process and operating conditions, marine aggregates are certified under a dedicated Marine Aggregates Certification Scheme (MA-CSC), which is based on the CSC Aggregates certification system while addressing the specific characteristics of offshore operations.
The MA-CSC certification system was first introduced as a dedicated certification pathway for marine aggregate companies, wharfs, and dredging operations. In its initial phase, certification was limited to a maximum level of Bronze and required compliance with sustainability requirements for both the operating company and the vessels supplying marine aggregates.
As part of the second phase of the scheme’s development, CSC has now integrated the environmental performance of dredging vessels directly into the certification framework. This enhancement enables marine aggregate producers to achieve higher CSC certification levels while encouraging continuous improvement in vessel sustainability
The revised scheme introduces a dedicated framework for vessels under the new criterion E8.05 “Low emission vessels”. Its purpose is to establish a simple, practical, and transparent classification framework for dredging vessels based on environmental performance, aligned with the four-tier CSC classification (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). The framework reflects progressively higher environmental standards and provides a clear pathway for operators to improve vessel performance over time.
The classification system has been designed to take into account the current fleet composition, upcoming regulations, and the practical feasibility of verification, while avoiding overly complex or data-intensive requirements. This ensures that the scheme remains ambitious yet implementable for operators and certification bodies alike.
The scope of the MA-CSC certification system covers the full marine aggregate value chain, including:
A transition period applies until 31 August 2026. Current holders of MA-scheme Bronze certificates undergoing recertification may switch to the updated version free of charge.
From 1 September 2026, compliance with the new vessel-related requirements under criterion E8.05 will be mandatory for all new and renewed MA-CSC certifications.
This update represents an important milestone in CSC’s efforts to support the sustainable production of construction materials and further strengthen the environmental performance of the marine aggregates sector.