Port Authorities have approved approved an incentive programme for ocean vessels
The Port Authority Board of Commissioners for the Port of New York and New Jersey have approved approved an incentive programme for ocean vessels. The three year, $4.875 million Ocean-Going Vessel Clean-Vessel Incentive (CVI) programme aims to encourage ship operators to improve their engines, use cleaner fuels, and upgrade their technology to reduce emissions from ocean-going vessels, which are the largest source of air pollutants at port-related facilities.
As part of the Port Authority’s Clean Air Strategy, the CVI provides financial incentives to ships achieving a score of 20 points or higher based on the World Port Climate Initiative’s Environmental Ship Index (ESI). The ESI is a worldwide mechanism that awards points to vessels that exceed the environmental standards set by the International Maritime Organization. Additional points are allocated to vessels that participate in the speed-reduction program, which would reduce speed to no more than 10 knots starting 20 nautical miles from the entrance to the New York New Jersey harbour.
Currently, 14 European ports have an ESI incentive program; the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey would be the second U.S. port, after the Port of Los Angeles, to adopt an ESI incentive program.
The Clean Vessel Program is just one of many initiatives designed to protect the environment in and around Port Authority facilities. At the maritime port, the Board approved approximately $30 million in funding over a six-year period (2009-2015) to fund environmental initiatives to improve air quality. As of the first quarter of 2012, the Authority says, these actions have resulted in emissions reductions of over 500 tons of nitrogen oxide and 26 tons of particulate matter.
In 2011 the Board approved a $6m Low-Sulfur Fuel Program to provide incentives to operators of ocean vessels for up to 50 percent of the cost differential between conventional high-sulphur bunker fuel and low sulphur fuel.
The Port Authority says it anticipates about 600 vessels a year will participate in the CVI program, which is expected to provide annual emission reductions of 182.2 tons of nitrogen oxide, 38.3 tons of particulate matter, and 264.1 tons of sulphur dioxides.
“Dramatically reducing air pollution, while keeping the port economically competitive, is a win for the port community and those who live in the region,” said Port Authority Chairman David Samson. “This initiative furthers our long-standing commitment to be a responsible steward of the environment in the Port District, and is yet another example of how we are working with the private sector to improve the air quality at our port facilities.”
“Today’s action will result in significant air pollution reductions at our ports by providing incentives for vessel owners to invest in newer, cleaner technology,” said Port Authority Vice Chairman Scott Rechler. “The Port Authority is committed to remaining a leader in green port initiatives.”
“The Clean Vessel Incentive program will result in cleaner air, which in turn means better health for the people who live and work in the Port District,” said Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye.
“This programme means that more of the ships that call on our port will be cleaner ships, burning cleaner fuel,” said Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni. “That means fewer emissions and greener port operations.”
Source: The port authority of NY&NJ
