As the maritime sector transitions towards greater ecological responsibility, buoyage is no longer limited to providing navigational information. It now plays a vital role in decarbonisation efforts, pollution prevention, and the safety of offshore activities. Ports, maritime authorities, and local communities are increasingly adopting buoyage as a key component of their sustainable development strategies.
At GISMAN, we design and implement intelligent, autonomous, and eco-friendly buoyage systems that meet international standards while reducing environmental impact.
Historically, marine signalling systems have had a significant ecological footprint due to the use of polluting materials (such as anti-fouling and anti-corrosion coatings) and the energy-intensive maintenance required to keep them operational.
Today, incorporating sustainable development principles into the design, operation, and maintenance of aids to navigation is a growing priority, as promoted by IALA, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and stakeholders worldwide.
At GISMAN, eco-responsibility is embedded in the very design of our navigation aids. From production to operation, every component is engineered to minimise environmental impact while ensuring optimal performance and reliability. Our solutions align with IALA recommendations and are structured around three main pillars:
Our LED beacon range incorporates the latest innovations to deliver high-performance, low-energy lighting with minimal maintenance. Compliant with IALA guidelines, these beacons are designed to last over 10 years.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, GISMAN contributes to the French eco-organisation ECOSYSTEM—accredited by public authorities—which combats the depletion of fossil and mineral resources, protects health and the environment, and promotes sustainable eco-design among manufacturers.
Environmental performance starts at the design stage with careful material selection. For our range of buoys and mooring systems, GISMAN favours rotomoulded polyethylene enhanced with mineral-based pigments. This material is fully recyclable, lightweight, maintenance-free, and significantly reduces the need for heavy logistics—both onshore and offshore.
The result: a reduced carbon footprint for land and sea operations, extended product life cycles, and responsible end-of-life management of components.
With our A2NGO supervision platform, our aids to navigation become intelligent and connected. Equipped with embedded monitoring systems, their parameters and positions can be tracked remotely and in real time. This allows operators to drastically reduce offshore interventions while ensuring that navigators have access to up-to-date information, enhancing both maritime safety and pollution prevention.
The result: increased information availability, optimised preventive maintenance, reduced carbon footprint, and better resource allocation.
Maritime buoyage is evolving, just like the maritime activities it secures. With increasingly stringent international regulations and rising expectations in terms of environmental responsibility, every technical decision matters. Buoyage is no longer merely about placing markers at sea—it is now a tangible expression of ecological commitment.
By integrating energy autonomy, material efficiency, and intelligent connectivity, GISMAN actively supports the maritime community in its transition toward a more sustainable model.
For example, when equipped with multi-parameter sensors (physical, chemical, bacteriological, acoustic), our buoys become true autonomous stations for environmental and meteorological monitoring. They provide valuable insights into marine ecosystems and enable the development of more responsible and environmentally respectful maritime activities.
Backed by its expertise and strong international presence, GISMAN is proud to stand alongside ports, national authorities, and organisations ready to chart a safer and more virtuous course.