Wednesday, September 12, 2018 - 09:25 by ce-press
In 2015, the Gothenburg Port Authority (GPA) introduced an environmental discount on the port tariff in an effort to increase the number of calls by ships running on liquefied natural gas (LNG). Several major LNG investments have been made since then, including initiatives by a number of Swedish shipping companies.
This has had a positive impact on the environment, including reduced emissions of sulphur dioxide, particles and nitric oxide into the air in western Sweden, according to the port. The GPA is now set to extend the discount period and is already outlining a renewed environmental discount.
As part of the port’s environmental discount scheme, vessels that report good environmental performance receive a 10% discount on the port tariff, assuming they achieve a certain level according to the globally recognised environmental indexes ESI and CSI. Vessels that run on LNG receive an extra discount of 20% each time they call. The LNG discount is subject to a time limit and is due to run to the end of this year, although the port authority is considering extending the discount period.
Whilst cruiseships may not yet be part of the scenario here, it is an indicator of what can be achieved by burning this fuel and the incentives given to those doing so.
