Rotterdam will be the first port in the world to reward ocean-going LNG tankers which possess the Green Award certificate. The Port Authority will give these ships a six per cent discount on port dues when they arrive in Rotterdam. LNG tankers have arrived in Rotterdam since the opening of the Gate terminal in 2011.
Green Award
The Green Award is a certificate presented by the independent Green Award Foundation to ships and shipping companies which have made extra investments in vessel and crew and, in this way, improved the environmental performance, safety and quality. At the request of the market and after many years of preparation, the Green Award Foundation last year started to certify LNG tankers. These tankers carry natural gas that has been converted to a liquid state at extremely low temperatures, making it safe to transport. By now, 36 LNG tankers with a Green Award certificate are in operation.
Supporting Sustainable Shipping
The Port of Rotterdam strives to support sustainable shipping. That is why Green Award oil tankers and inland vessels receive discounts. The Port of Rotterdam was also involved in the development of the Environmental Ship Index, an index for sustainable shipping. Last year, the Port of Rotterdam stimulated sustainable shipping to the tune of over €2 million.
Picture: LNG tanker (copyright Peter Facey and licensed for reuse under a Creative Commons Licence)
