The Port of Bergen has formed EPI AS to further develop an Environmental Port Index (EPI) tool used to measure a vessel’s pollution level when in port.
Behind this move is Bergen’s long-term ambition to put in place a system in which the environmental impact of cruise ships is recorded, the port said.
In 2017, the port started to develop an impact assessment system and established a joint industry project with DNV GL and 10 other Norwegian cruise ports.
For the 2020 season, 16 ports now have EPI in place and ready for use.
Vessels provide information on their visit when leaving port, giving up-to-date data on CO2, NOx and SO2 emissions, use of onshore power supply, use of waste gas treatment systems, and fuel consumption.
This information is used to calculate an EPI score – a number indicating a ships operational efficiency and impact on the environment when in port. This figure can be used by each port to adjust dues and fees, and is a strong incentive for shipping companies to reduce their emissions, the port said.
“The port said that it aimed to be a driving force for more environmentally friendly shipping. EPI has proven to be a useful tool to reduce emissions from vessels in port, and the work has attracted considerable interest both nationally and internationally. We thus feel that the time has come for EPI to be launched in the international market,” said Johnny Breivik, Port of Bergen, Managing Director.
All ports that participated in the EPI collaboration project last year will be offered shares in the new company.
Going forward, the system will be expanded to cover more vessel types, as well as other environmental aspects, such as waste, discharges to sea, and noise.
