Americas News
Panama Canal Authority to Reward Ships that Reduce GHG Emissions
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) Monday announced that it has launched a new environmental initiative, known as that Green Connection Award, which will be given to carriers that make efforts to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by meeting or exceeding International Maritime Organization (IMO) environmental standards and/or other globally recognized standards.
Under the programme, ACP will evaluate customers based on environmental factors, including their Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) and Environmental Ship Index (ESI) scores, as well as the amount of nitrous oxides they emit in relation to engine performance, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions they reduce by using the Panama Canal over other routes, and the type of bunkers that vessels use.
"The decision to establish the Green Connection Award is in line with the Canal's ongoing commitment to sustainability," said the ACP.
"Over the last 101 years, the Canal has directly contributed to the reduction of 650 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. And thanks to the shorter traveling distance and larger cargo carrying capacity that the Expanded Canal offers its customers, it will reduce an estimated of 160 million tonnes of CO2 emissions in the next 10 years."
ACP says the first Green Connection Award will be presented next week to the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier to transit the expanded Canal.
In addition to reducing carbon emissions in the canal, ACP says it has also taken on measures in the canal's management and operations, adopting international standards and "innovative environmental initiatives," to preserve the natural resources of the local watershed.
"These sustainability initiatives reiterate the Canal's commitment to being a global maritime industry leader, while actively sustaining the environment of Panama," said Carlos Vargas, Executive Vice President for Environment, Water and Energy at ACP.
Earlier this month, Ship & Bunker reported that a new report by PGI Intelligence suggested that safety risks of the newly opened expanded Panama Canal may offset its financial benefits.
