Thursday, February 15, 2024 - 10:21 by ce-press
Torshavn has joined the the Environmental Port Index (EPI), following a visit from the two Norwegian EPI ambassadors - Even Husby, ceo EPI, and Jon Olav Stedje, port operations manager Port of Flam - in December.
Representatives from a number of Faroese ports, the destination company, government agencies and local politicians were informed of the benefits of using EPI.
“Joining the EPI, Port of Torshavn [PoT] embraces a pivotal role in spearheading a sustainable maritime future. This collaboration marks a significant stride towards our commitment to environmental stewardship and operational transparency in the North Atlantic basin,” says Hanus Mikkelsen, port director PoT.
“We are eager to leverage the EPI’s insights for a greener, more responsible cruise industry, showcasing Torshavn not just as a prime destination but as a vanguard of eco-conscious port operations."
Throughout 2024, the port will actively collect and measure the environmental footprints of visiting cruiseships through the EPI platform. This initiative will enhance knowledge and communication and lay the groundwork for a future reward system to incentivise sustainable practices among cruiseship operators.
Husby says: “For the EPI ports group, the Port of Torshavn's entry offers fresh perspectives, benefiting all EPI ports. A joining theme for all of us is the challenges concerning maintaining sustainable development amid growing tourism demands.
“Other benefits of a more extensive EPI network include enhanced data quality, strengthened advocacy and transparency. As a group of over 30 destinations around the North Atlantic, we are dedicated to shaping a sustainable future for maritime tourism.”
Torshavn in the Faroe Islands is a popular North Atlantic summer call for cruiseships. With its key location, north-west of Scotland and more or less midway between Norway and Iceland, Torshavn is an interesting and welcoming destination.
This year 58 calls and 33,000 passengers are scheduled to visit, compared to 48 and 27,884 respectively in 2023.
The Environmental Port Index (EPI) is a reporting tool developed in collaboration with DNV and numerous shipping industry experts. The aim is to increase the operational efficiency of both ship owners and port operators, while reducing their impact on the environment. The EPI is an international solution, backed by global maritime experts and a robust IT infrastructure capable of supporting ports around the world.
