Thames green ship discounts

As a part of the its wider approach to reduce the port’s environmental impact, the Port of London Authority (PLA) is introducing a discount on port charges for vessels with lower emissions that meet an Environmental Shipping Index (ESI) score of 30, or above.

“Shipping is the most environmentally friendly method of moving large volumes of goods and materials. Nevertheless, more can be done to make shipping even cleaner,” explained Christopher Rodrigues, PLA chairman.

He added: “As ships represent a substantial capital investment, we want to encourage faster adoption of new green technologies by giving added incentive to adopt cleaner technologies.”

The ESI was developed by the World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI) and ranks ships’ environmental performance based on factors including emissions of nitrogen oxide, sulphur oxide, and carbon dioxide.

It gives a ready reckoner rating for ships that perform better in reducing emissions than the current International Maritime Organisation emission standards.

Fer van de Laar, WPCI director, said: “The ESI provides a measure of the environmental performance of ocean going vessels.”

“We are excited to see the Port of London utilising the ESI for one of its intended purposes, by encouraging shipping lines to improve environmental performance and to reduce the port’s environmental impact.”

Developed over the last 18 months, the Port of London’s Thames Vision sets out a plan for the river’s development over the next 20 years.

It identifies potential for increased river use, alongside progressively improved environmental and habitat conditions.

Mr Rodrigues concluded: “As Custodians of the tidal Thames, introducing this discount is one of the first things we are doing to recognise the uptake of new and green technologies.”

“Our overall goal, set through the Thames Vision project, is to reduce the port’s environmental impact and this initiative is the start of that journey.”