One in three vessels that called at the Port of Gothenburg last year were classified as green according to the industry environmental indexes. The largest port in Scandinavia rewards vessels that are environmental high performers.

In total, 75 vessels received a discount of 10 percent on the port charges compared to 41 in 2015.

“The growing number of vessels classified as green is highly encouraging,” said Edvard Molitor, Environmental Manager at Gothenburg Port Authority. “They are also vessels that call at the port on a regular basis.”

The discount is based on two separate environmental indexes, Environmental Ship Index and Clean Shipping Index. Vessels that have a score of at least 30 on the ESI, or which are classified as green according to CSI, receive a 10 percent discount on the port charges. The CSI is an environmental index where companies that purchase sea transport services can make an environmental assessment of the shipping companies.

An additional discount is available for vessels that run on liquefied natural gas (LNG). By using LNG as a marine fuel, emissions of sulphur and particles are reduced to almost zero and nitrogen oxide emissions by 85 to 90 percent. There is also a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

In total, these vessels receive a 30 percent discount each time they call. In 2016, two vessels received the maximum discount. These were Ternsund and Fure West, owned by Donsö-based shipping companies Tärntank Ship Management AB and Furetank AB.

“Swedish shipping companies are very much at the forefront when it comes to LNG, methanol, hybrid electric ships and other eco-smart solutions,” said Molitor.

The current environmental discount was first introduced on January 1, 2015. Another similar environmental reward system was in place prior to that. The aim is for shipping companies to be encouraged to mitigate their environmental impact in a way that goes beyond laws and regulations.

“We want to reward the shipping companies for their green initiatives. For the average freight vessel, the environmental discount could result in savings of tens of thousands of kronor,” explained Molitor.

Now it is even simpler for shipping companies to secure a discount. Previously, companies were required to register their vessels with Port Control at the Port of Gothenburg. Beginning January 1, 2017, registration takes place automatically when vessels call at the port. Vessels running on LNG will still need to report to the Gothenburg Port Authority to secure the discount.