EMEA News
Port of London to Implement Discount Programme for Emission Reducing Vessels
The Port of London Authority (PLA) says it is set to implement a programme that provides discounts on port dues to vessels with emission levels that meet an Environmental Shipping Index (ESI) score of 30, or above.
"As Custodians of the tidal Thames, introducing this discount is one of the first things we are doing to recognise the uptake of new and green technologies," said Christopher Rodrigues, chairman of PLA.
"Our overall goal, set through the Thames Vision project, is to reduce the port's environmental impact and this initiative is the start of that journey."
The ESI, which was developed by the World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI), considers factors such as emissions of nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide, and carbon dioxide in order to ranks ships' environmental performance and identify vessels that exceed current International Maritime Organization (IMO) emission standards.
PLA says that London will become the first UK port to recognise ship owners for their environmental performance.
"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," said David Balston, UK Chamber of Shipping director of policy.
In April, Ship & Bunker reported that a proposed terminal for mid-size cruise ships on the UK's Thames River, green-lighted by mayor Boris Johnson last July, was facing high-court challenge from local residents.
