The Port of Amsterdam has decided to increase the port dues discounts for vessels possessing an ESI certificate or use liquefied natural gas as fuel for the main or auxiliary engine.
The port has already been giving discounts to vessels listed in the Environmental Ship Index that have attained a score of 20 points or higher, and will now double the maximum ESI discount.
Port of Amsterdam regards LNG as a vital transitional fuel which currently serves as the best alternative for the shipping industry.
“In order to encourage vessel operators to start using this fuel, we will be providing an additional discount starting August 1,” the port’s statement reads.
By the end of 2018, the Port of Amsterdam will have an LNG bunkering pontoon in operation.
With its discount, the Port of Amsterdam aims to encourage 50,000 seagoing vessels, cruise ships, and barges that call on the port annually “to operate as rapidly and efficiently as possible, using the least amount of resources.”