The organization representing global ports, backed by six major European ports introduces a scheme aimed at significant reductions in vessel emissions
Starting in January 2011, under the auspices of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI) will introduce the Environmental Ship Index (ESI), an international standard for calculating emissions by ships. Ports and other nautical service providers will be able to use the index to reward clean ships, and so contribute to encouraging sustainability in the shipping industry.
Participation by ship-owners is voluntary. They can calculate the emissions of their vessels on the newly constructed website www.environmentalshipindex.org. Participating vessels will receive a certificate that may form the basis of a reward system employed by ports and other nautical service providers, discounting port dues, rates and alike.
The ESI identifies seagoing vessels that perform better in reducing emissions than required by the current emission standards set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), which are based on the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) and sulphur oxide (SOx) that is released by the ship. In addition, the ESI tests for the presence of a management plan for the greenhouse gas emissions of the ship. The ESI is therefore a good indication of the environmental performance of the ship, and will identify clean ships in a general way. Modern sea-going vessels with clean engines that use low-sulphur bunker oil in ports score high on the ESI.
Over the past two years, the ports of Le Havre, Bremen, Hamburg, Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam have worked together closely to develop the ESI. The programme is entirely voluntary and the ports through the WPCI hope that the global port community will adopt ESI as a universal means of improving their own environmental performance and as an instrument for reaching their sustainability goals. Five initiators – Hamburg, Bremen, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp – have indicated that they will use the ESI to reward clean ships and to promote sustainability.
The hope is that the ESI will grow to be an instrument for positively distinguishing clean shipping. It should become a driver for sustainability and innovation, but also for the ‘greening’ of port dues and the logistic chain.
Notes for Editors:
World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI)
55 of the world’s key ports have committed themselves to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions while continuing their role as transportation and economic hubs. This initiative is called the World Ports Climate Initiative. www.wpci.nl
International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH)
The key objective of the IAPH is to develop and foster good relations and cooperation among all ports and harbours in the world by acting as a forum for exchanging ideas and sharing experiences on the latest trends in port management and operation. The IAPH strives to emphasize and promote the fact that ports form a vital link in waterborne transportation and fulfill this important role in today’s global economy while promoting clean ports and clean shipping.
www.iaphworldports.org