More Incentives for Shipping Lines Prepared to Get Greener as LNG Use Rewarded

NETHERLANDS – For some years Port of Amsterdam has been giving discounts on port dues to vessels listed in the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) that have attained an ESI score of 20 points or higher, something we detailed in a story back in 2011. As of now, the port will be increasing this incentive by adding another discount, doubling the maximum ESI discount for vessels that are in the possession of an ESI certificate and using liquefied natural gas (LNG) for their main or auxiliary engines.

LNG emits significantly smaller quantities of particulate matter than other fuels, as well as producing less carbon dioxide. The Port of Amsterdam regards LNG as a vital transitional fuel which currently serves as the best alternative for the shipping industry. In order to encourage vessel operators to start using this fuel, the port will be providing an additional discount starting August 1, and aiming to have a bunker pontoon for LNG in place in the Port of Amsterdam by the end of 2018.

The port hopes that the introduction of this discount will help to advance its mission of encouraging the 50,000 seagoing vessels, cruise ships and barges that call on the port annually to operate as rapidly and efficiently as possible, using the least amount of resources. Amsterdam itself often leads the way when it comes to environmental initiatives and the Port takes prides in encouraging green projects within its scope including recycling and even chocolate production!