London to offer low emission discounts for ships

The Port of London Authority is to offer discounts on port charges for ships Environmental Shipping Index (ESI) score of 30 or above.

The Environmental Shipping Index (ESI) developed by the World Ports Climate Initiative ranks ships’ environmental performance based on factors including emissions of nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide, and carbon dioxide. It gives a ready reckoner rating for ships that perform better in reducing emissions than the current International Maritime Organisation emission standards.

Christopher Rodrigues, PLA chairman said: “As ships represent a substantial capital investment, we want to encourage faster adoption of new green technologies by giving an added incentive to adopt cleaner technologies.”

David Balston, UK Chamber of Shipping director of policy said: “The shipping industry is committed to leading the way on improvements in environmental performance and as such we wholeheartedly welcome the Port of London Authority’s approach to rewarding those investing to increase their fleet efficiency and lower their emissions impact.”