We recognize the biodiversity and ecosystem’s central role in the resilience of natural systems on which economic activities and infrastructures depend.
Their degradation, driven by climate change and the unsustainable use of natural resources, constitutes a growing environmental and operational risk. In this context, Saipem is committed to contributing to preservation, restoration and enhancement of biodiversity and ecosystems in the areas in which it operates, as well as beyond its value chain. Saipem progressively integrates biodiversity considerations into its decision‑making processes, managing environmental risks across the value chain since the early stages of projects, through a structured framework supported by a centralized mapping system monitoring how projects, operational sites and, since 2025, vendors’ sites, are positioned with respect to biodiversity-sensitive areas. Through a long standing certified Environmental Management System and an integrated risk management approach across the full project lifecycle, from the bidding phase through operations, we ensure the minimization of environmental pressures, while contributing to climate mitigation and adaptation.
Biodiversity is not only to be preserved—it is a vital resource that shall be enhanced to generate innovation, balance, and shared value. At Saipem, we develop innovative technologies and manage responsibly environmental impacts in our operations, aware that every protected ecosystem strengthens territorial resilience and supports the long-term robustness of our business.
Seeing progress
A look at where we are at with our objectives on Biodiversity and Environment
| 2025-2028 OBJECTS | TARGET YEAR | 2025 RESULTS | PROGRESS |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mapping of Saipem operational sites in biodiversity-sensitive areas |
2025 |
150 sites identified and mapped:
|
50%7777
|
| Mapping of vendor sites in biodiversity-sensitive areas |
2025 |
More than 3,000 vendors’ sites identified and mapped (related to more than 2,500 vendors):
|
50%7777
|
| Spill prevention: develop and apply a structured spill risk mapping and assessment approach across the fleet, aimed at preventing environmental incidents and reducing potential impacts on marine and coastal ecosystems | 2025 | Spill Risk Mapping & Assessment performed for 3 vessels (FDS, Saipem Endeavour and Perro Negro 8), enabling the identification, prioritisation and structured management of spill risks. |
50%7777
|
| Assessment for replacing conventional mineral oils with biodegradable alternatives on offshore assets | 2025 | Biodegradable oil assessments completed for 9 offshore assets. |
50%7777
|
Making strides for biodiversity and the environment
How we are working to support biodiversity and the environment
Biodiversity protection is embedded in our sustainability strategy, playing roles in and beyond our value chain. Within our value chain, we identify, manage and reduce environmental risks from the earliest stages of project development, continuously improving our practices through the innovative technologies we develop and deliver. By mapping our sites and assessing their proximity to biodiversity‑sensitive areas, and by managing water, waste and spill prevention, we work to minimise our operational impacts. We engage stakeholders - clients, suppliers, employees and local community - across our value chain to promote shared responsibility, transparency, and innovation for long-term environmental stewardship. Beyond our value chain, we promote nature‑based solutions, ecosystem conservation and habitat restoration, contributing to both climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Our environmental protection initiatives
Through the multiple roles we play, the initiatives that support our approach to biodiversity and environmental protection turn commitments into concrete action.
Engineering services to protect biodiversity
We have technical expertise, methodologies and tools to support clients in their No Net Loss, Net Positive Impact or Biodiversity Net Gain objectives, by integrating measurable biodiversity metrics into project planning and designing compensation or enhancement measures that go beyond baseline conditions. In addition to qualitative assessments, we apply quantitative tools to improve transparency and comparability, gaining experience in the use of habitat‑based and impact‑assessment methodologies, which enable the quantification of ecological value and the translation of biodiversity impacts into measurable indicators, including the estimation of equivalent compensation areas.
Reducing plastic pollution at project level
We are committed to developing a circular and sustainable economy, leveraging advanced technologies to reduce plastic waste. We limit the use of single-use plastics through concrete, scalable actions implemented across both onshore and offshore operations. Onshore, we adopt site-specific solutions, as in the Marjan project, where plastic bottles have been replaced with water dispensers and reusable bottles, engaging the entire value chain. Offshore, we install water purification systems on selected vessels to significantly reduce plastic consumption. We also develop innovative project-based solutions, such as in the Ravenna FSRU project, where bubble wrap has been replaced with recycled and biodegradable materials, supporting responsible waste management.
Balancing construction and ecology at Liverpool Bay CCS project
Saipem is involved in the Eni Liverpool Bay CCS project. Located in a biodiverse area with rare species such as natterjack toads, sand lizards and the last colony of little terns in Wales, we constantly monitor operations to protect local wildlife and achieve a biodiversity net gain. An ecological clerk is in charge of safeguarding biodiversity and complying with ecological and environmental regulations covering protected species, waste, water, soil, noise and air quality, working with the client, regulators and construction team.
Remediation and cultural change for biodiversity
We combine ecological remediation with awareness‑raising initiatives to protect biodiversity and foster cultural change. Examples include the participation in Saudi Aramco’s Artificial Reefs Initiative. As part of this initiative – which contributes to the wider Aramco programme targeting the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf – Saipem fabricated and installed 3D‑printed green concrete artificial reefs aimed at supporting the restoration and enhancement of marine habitats. In parallel, we also promoted awareness and engagement through clean‑up campaigns, carried out in 9 countries, involving more than 560 volunteers to remove waste and strengthen environmental awareness and responsibility within local communities.
Chemical recycling for a sustainable and circular economy
We use chemical recycling technologies to reduce and manage plastic waste. Alongside Italian chemical company Garbo, we develop and commercialise ChemPET, a PET glycolytic depolymerisation technology for chemically recycled PET (cRPET) similar to virgin PET. We are also exploring pyrolysis as a chemical recycling solution and partnerships with technology providers based on feedstock availability, product characteristics, geographic area, and existing plastic waste sorting companies.
Drones for oceans and ecosystems
Our underwater drones enable real‑time biodiversity monitoring with minimal disturbance. Hydrone‑R recently surveyed cold‑water corals at Njord (Norway) under the long‑term Equinor service agreement, providing data to develop coral‑recognition algorithms. In Italy, Hydrone‑W will support ISPRA in advanced oceanographic activities, contributing to the observation, monitoring and study of ecosystems, geomorphology, and strategic infrastructures located in deep-sea and offshore environments.
Offsetting projects
We started to invest in offsetting projects in 2023 to progressively compensate part of our footprint while acting as early mover “beyond the value chain” selecting projects also based on their collateral benefits (co-benefits), in terms of support to communities in a fair and just transition, as well as for protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. Our offsetting portfolio is composed of nature-based “avoidance” projects (REDD+) aimed at protecting forest ecosystems, biodiversity, and providing value to relevant communities in Brazil and Indonesia. Between 2023 and 2025, 300 kt CO2eq were compensated.
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