The first port in the Middle East that introduces a reward scheme for clean ships
The world’s key ports, acknowledging their unique capacity as key hubs in global supply chains, work together in the World Port Climate Initiative (WPCI) commitment to reduce their greenhouse gas emissionswhile continuing their role as transportation and economic centers.
Image Credit: Port of Sohar
They do this through influencing the sustainability of supply chains, taking into account local circumstances and varying port management structures.One of the projects within the WPCI is the Environmental Ship Index (ESI). The Environmental Ship Index(ESI) identifies seagoing ships that perform better in reducing air emissions than required by the currentemission standards of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The ESI evaluates the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOX), sulphur oxide (SOX) and particulate matter (PM) that is released by a ship andincludes a reporting scheme on the greenhouse gas emission of the ship. The ESI is a good indication of the environmental performance of ocean going vessels and identifies cleaner ships in a general way.
Worldwide there are around 1,700 ships with a valid ESI score: the cleaner the ship the higher the score. The index is intended to be used by ports to reward ships when they participate in the ESI and will promoteclean ships, but can also be used by shippers and ship owners.To promote good environmental performance in maritime industries and to adopt international bestpractices Sohar Industrial Port Company set up a reward scheme as an incentive for clean ships who call atPort of Sohar.
The reward scheme consists of a rebate on the port dues which will be offered to ESIParticipating ships. Details of the reward scheme will be published on www.portofoshar.com. Port of Soharis the first Port in the Middle East that introduces a reward scheme for clean ships.
Worldwide there are twenty other ports, mainly in Western Europe, US and Australia, who offer such an incentive.”The Port of Sohar is looking forward to set a new standard in the region to reward operators forimproving the environmental performance of their fleets” said Andre Toet, Chief Executive Officer of SoharIndustrial Port Company. “
This initiative will contribute to reduction of air emissions from ships and willhave a positive influence on the quality of the living environment of the communities in the vicinity ofports.”
