Port of Halifax working to reduce emissions

The Halifax Port Authority, a Green Marine certified participant since 2011, is taking new steps to reduce vessel emissions. The port is now offering incentives to container and RoRo vessels that voluntarily register and meet the ESI (Environmental Ship Index) requirements in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

On April 1, 2022, the port joined the World Port Climate Initiative (WPCI) as an Incentive Provider with the International Association of Ports and Harbours’ (IAPH).  The ESI formula evaluates the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulphur oxide (SOx) and carbon dioxide (COշ) emitted by a vessel. ESI scores indicate a ship’s compliance with emission standards. Scores range from 0 to 100, where a score of 100 indicates close to zero exhaust emissions. The index assists in identifying ships that proactively go beyond the emission standards required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The HPA will administer, and rebate annually, an ESI Harbour Dues Incentive of $500 CAD for vessels with an ESI-assigned Index score between 20 and 49.99, and $1,000 CAD for vessels with an ESI-assigned Index score of 50 or higher per port call.