Canada’s two largest west coast ports are offering financial incentives to the most efficient vessels that enter the ports.
Port Metro Vancouver’s Eco-Action program and Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA’s) Green Wave program will reward ship owners based on the Carbon War Room’s A to G Greenhouse Gas Emissions rating, which benchmarks the energy efficiency of shipping fleets.
The Canadian ports are the first in the world to use the A to G rating system, says Carbon War Room founder Richard Branson.
PRPA’s Green Wave Program has already received 19 vessel entries in its first two weeks with 11 of these using the A to G rating system. At both ports, vessels meeting specific GHG emissions levels will receive a discount on port dues.
The rating system, established by the Carbon War Room and maritime risk management firm RightShip, can be used alongside the Environmental Ship Index, which evaluates sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions. It allows charterers, owners and ports to see a ship’s theoretical GHG emissions and relative energy efficiency compared to similar ships. It rates vessels from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient).
Duncan Wilson, vice-president of corporate social responsibility at Port Metro Vancouver (pictured), says the EcoAction initiative at the port, which takes into account cleaner fuels and improved engine technology, offered discounts amounting to $1.1 milion last year, representing about 10 percent of revenue from deep-sea harbor dues.
Last month, the EPA has made available $4 million in grant funding to establish clean diesel projects aimed at reducing emissions from marine and inland water ports.