DIN, the German Institute for Standardization, is the independent platform for standardization in Germany and worldwide. Experts from industry, research, consumer protection and the public sector bring their expertise to work on standardization projects managed by DIN. 

Erik Köster joins therefore the DIN Standards Committee Shipbuilding and Marine Technology. 

The Global TestNet is an organization involved in land-based and shipboard testing for the certification of BWMS including type approval, commissioning and Vessel General Permit.

Global TestNet promotes comparable and accurate test results on the performance evaluation of technologies and methodologies to control the risk of bio-invasion and harmful species introductions by shipping, through an open exchange of information, transparency in methodologies and advancing the science of testing.

The Maritime Cluster Northern Germany is a maritime network with more than 350 members from industry, science and politics. Five federal states (Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Bremen) promote in the MCN the competitiveness and innovative ability of the resident maritime companies, universities and research institutions by projects of cooperation and innovation.

Green Award is a certification and incentive program for shipping, certifying sea-going oil and chemical tankers, bulk carriers, LNG and LPG carriers, container carriers, offshore vessels, RoRo, inland navigation barges and river cruise vessels. Its assessment criteria cover environmental, quality and safety aspects and performance of management and the crew to positively influence the conditions of shipping beyond international standards.
With nearly 150 ports and other maritime related organisations providing discounts to the certified companies and ships, the scheme motivates ship owners and managers to invest in the improvements on board and ashore.