At the end of June, 1089 ships had a score on the Environment Ship Index (ESI) because their emissions are lower than the internationally allowed limits. At the start of this year, there were only 570 ships on the index. 35% of the “ESI ships” have a score of 31 or higher, and in certain ports, such as Rotterdam, Antwerp, Oslo and Le Havre, these ships are eligible for a discount on the port dues.

ESI is a certificate that, from 1 January 2011, is issued by the World Port Climate Initiative, at the request of the ship. The index shows how ships perform environmentally in their emissions of air pollution (NOx and SOx) and CO2. Ports and other nautical service providers all around the world can use the index to reward ships and thus stimulate sustainable behaviour in shipping. Seventeen ports and other nautical service providers now award bonuses to ESI ships that attain a certain score. The latest to join is Ashdod Port in Israel.