The Port of Amsterdam has announced that it will double the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) discount for vessels powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Previously, the Port of Amsterdam gave vessels listed in the ESI a discount, as long as they had attained an overall ESI score of 20 or more points.
The new discount, which came into force on August 1, 2018, applies to ships that are not only listed on the ESI index, but also in possession of a main or auxiliary engine which uses LNG fuel.
Sean Strawbridge discusses how U.S. ports are handling LNG exports in a recent Port Technology technical paper
LNG emits significantly smaller quantities of particulate matter than other fuels, as well as producing less carbon dioxide.
In order to encourage cargo vessel operators to start using this fuel, which is currently regarded the best transitional alternative for the industry, the new concession has been introduced.
According to a statement by the Port of Amsterdam: “…the introduction of this discount will help to advance our 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.”
As well as the LNG discount, the Port of Amsterdam also plan to have a bunker platoon for LNG in place by the end of 2018.
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