The Canadian port of Prince Rupert is enhancing its Green Wave programme to better reward shipping companies’ positive environmental performances.

In 2014, nearly half of the Prince Rupert's 494 vessel annual calls participated in the Green Wave programme

In 2014, nearly half of the Prince Rupert's 494 vessel annual calls participated in the Green Wave programme

Launched in 2013, the programme provides incentives for shipping companies to install emission-reduction technology or other sustainable systems on vessels. The Port Authority offers discounts on harbour dues when such vessels call at the Port of Prince Rupert. In 2014, participation grew to 140 vessels, accounting for nearly half of the Port’s 494 vessel annual calls.

“2015 has already seen even greater year-over-year participation, which is a testament to the shipping industry’s awareness and support for increased environmental performance and sustainability,” said Don Krusel, president and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA). “By rewarding clean vessels, we are reducing local air emissions and connecting to a global effort to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.”

The programme uses rankings in various environmental programmes including RightShip, Green Marine, the Environmental Ship Index, the Green Award, Clean Shipping Index and the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI).

Revisions to a number of programme criteria were made earlier this month to increase the recognition of vessels with the lowest footprint and to adapt to new international standards now in place.

RightShip’s GHG Emissions Rating, which measures an individual ship’s CO2 output, is represented by an A-G scale where A represents the most efficient vessel. RightShip “A” rated vessels will now qualify for Tier 3 discounts in the programme, rewarding the top performing vessels.

In addition, Green Marine qualifications will shift from SOx to GHG-based measures in response to the new North American Emission Control Area measures which enforce 0.1% sulphur content for fuel used by commercial vessels. EEDI will also evolve to include a mechanism for vessels to qualify for a Tier 2 discount.

“These changes demonstrate the continual evolution of the programme,” Mr Krusel added. “We are pleased to work with the shipping fleets, along with other ports and environmental programmes, as we deliver on our ability to improve environmental sustainability in the marine shipping industry.”