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Port Metro Vancouver & Prince Rupert offer financial incentives using A-G ratings
Port Metro Vancouver and the Port of Prince Rupert, Canada’s two largest west coast ports, are offering financial incentives to ship owners based on the ‘A to G’ Greenhouse Gas Emissions (GHG) rating, which benchmarks the energy efficiency of the international shipping fleet.
The A to G rating system has been in operation at Port Metro Vancouver for just over a year, as part of its ‘Eco-Action’ program, while the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) expanded its own ‘Green Wave’ program at the turn of the year to reward the most efficient vessels calling its docks. Since January 1st, the PRPA has already received 19 vessel entries, with 11 of these vessels using the A-G rating.
At both ports, efficient vessels meeting specific GHG emission levels will receive a discount on port dues, rewarding vessel owners that invest in technology and measures to improve their fleet’s efficiency. The rating system, established by maritime risk experts RightShip and global not-for-profit the Carbon War Room, will be used alongside the already-in-use Environmental Ship Index (ESI), which evaluates the amount of Sulphur Oxides (SOx) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) emitted.
Both ports hope to encourage collaboration from other global port authorities to endorse the scheme further.
“Through an environmental incentive program with qualification standards consistent across global shipping, we are accelerating the industry’s movement toward greater efficiency and sustainability,” said Prince Rupert Port Authority president and CEO, Don Krusel.
“As more members of the worldwide port community launch similar initiatives, common systems of measurement and reward are vital to wide adoption and success.”
