Norwegian ports have agreed upon a model for a future Environmental Port Index (EPI).
“Our goal is to use economic incentives for ships with the lowest environmental footprint in our ports,” said the port of Bergen in a statement.
While many Norwegian ports use the Environmental Ships Index (ESI) today, the EPI will focus on emissions from ships while at berth, according to the ports.
“Also, few of the ships visiting our ports today are registered with ESI which makes the index less efficient. Thus, the Port of Bergen has therefore taken the initiative towards the other Norwegian cruise ports to develop the EPI,” the port said.
Even Husby, Head of Environment at Port of Bergen, added: “The ports signed the agreement in June, 2017, and after our second network meeting we have agreed on the way onwards. This autumn we will continue work with DNV GL to develop the model further.”
Current participants in the project are Bergen, Stavanger, Oslo, Aurland/Flåm, Stranda/Geirangerfjord, Ålesund, Molde & Romsdal, Trondheim, Eidfjord, Cruise Destination Hardangerfjord, Tromsø, Norwegian Ports Association, Innovation Norway and The Norwegian Coastal Administration.
