The Port of Aarhus, as one of the leading ports in the maritime industry, has introduced a new threshold of 20 points within the framework of the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) version 2.0 to enhance the environmental performance of ships. This action is taken to support vessels that achieve higher environmental standards, considering the significant changes in the ESI methodology.
Changes in ESI 2.0 Methodology
The ESI 2.0 index is specifically designed to identify and encourage ships that perform better in environmental aspects. This new methodology has been updated in light of technological advancements, operational behaviors of ships, and legal requirements. Specifically, this methodology focuses on four environmental dimensions including NOx, SOx, GHG, and innovation, allowing ships to reduce their environmental impact by investing in new technologies.
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Impact on Port of Aarhus and Ships
Based on assessments of the performance of ships visiting the Port of Aarhus, it is anticipated that about 58 ships that qualified under ESI 1.0 will no longer be able to meet the existing thresholds. This prompted the Port of Aarhus authorities to decide to introduce a new threshold of 20 ESI points, which will be reviewed annually. The aim of this change is to maintain motivation for ships to improve their environmental performance.
Anne Zachariassen, CEO of the Port of Aarhus, explained this decision: "Setting the ESI score threshold is a balance. If the threshold is too high, it will be difficult for shipping companies to achieve it. We want the threshold to be such that it creates an incentive for improvement in ships and has a positive impact on the environment."
The Port of Aarhus has also built Denmark's first shore power facility for cruise ships as part of its environmental programs and is developing new shore power facilities for container ships. These actions demonstrate the port's focus on electrification and reducing emissions from ships while docked.
By adopting this approach, the Port of Aarhus can positively influence changes in the criteria for assessing the environmental performance of ships while maintaining its incentives for vessels visiting the port.
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