The basis of assessment is the so-called Environmental Ship Index (ESI) which allows to identify and evaluate ships based on environmental criteria similar to emission badges displayed on vehicles. The ESI takes account of both carbon dioxide emissions as well as nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide emissions. The ESI point scheme ranges from zero to 100, whereby ‘100’ equals zero emission of the pollutants assessed. In Hamburg ocean-going vessels will be granted a discount on port dues of up to 10 per cent. The staggered discount scheme starts at an ESI score of 20 points.
“Hamburg contributes to a greener shipping and port industry. Together with the other major ports we are promoting the use of ever cleaner ships,” says Jens Meier, managing director of the HPA.
About the ESI
At the beginning of 2011, the World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI), a subsidiary of the global umbrella organisation of port administrations – the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) – introduced an index to measure the environmental performance of ships, thus creating an easy-to-manage and transparent basis for ports and other interested parties to promote the deployment and operation of ships that are especially friendly to the environment.
Ship owners and operators can have their ships rated within the scope of the ESI provided they enter their data on the homepage of the project at www.environmentalshipindex.org. Participation is voluntary. The ships will be certified based on the data entered. The index identifies ships whose emission levels are lower than, for example, the guidance values for nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide set by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Modern seagoing ships that run on low-sulphur fuels score higher on the ESI point scheme, which ranges from 0 to 100. Applicable baseline values are defined in the relevant IMO regulations in force. The highest points are awarded if a ship emits none of the pollutants mentioned.
Environmental Protection in the Port of Hamburg
When it comes to protecting the environment, the HPA is pursuing several approaches. At the beginning of the year, the port railway introduced green tariffs. The use of low-emission diesel locomotives is rewarded with a discount as is the use of wagons equipped with low-noise brakes. For years, inland barges as well as the HPA’s own fleet have been relying on berths providing on-shore power supply. In addition, the HPA uses low-sulphur fuel. The HPA is also active in international committees that are looking into options of on-shore power supply for ocean-going vessels. In September, the HPA will host the international GreenPort Congress.