“Most sustainable ship” awarded at Rotterdam

Not only did the Olympus score highly on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) at Rotterdam, it also came in fourth position globally last year with a rating of 65.7 points.

This is the third year that the port, one of the initiators of the ESI, has awarded the prize for its most sustainable ship call. In 2012 it was won by the containership Cosco Pride and in 2011 by the vehicle carrier, Morning Carol.

Tie Schellekens, Port of Rotterdam, told GreenPort: “Port of Rotterdam is situated in a very densely populated environment. So that is one reason that we sponsor sustainable shipping. But also as a company with share holders we have a responsibility toward the people who live near the port. It is our duty to promote clean shipping.”

The Olympus scored so well because it has a catalytic converter which reduces nitrogen (NOx) emissions by 90%. It also has technology to meet the strict ECA requirements which will soon apply to ships traversing the North Sea.

Ships which score well in the ESI certification system receive an incentive of around 5% off port tariffs at Rotterdam.

During last year, the port authority invested around €3.5m in sustainable shipping by sponsoring both the ESI and the Green Award Foundation.