The Panama Canal Authority has developed a green ship incentive scheme for ships transiting the world famous global trade transit corridor.
Called the Environmental Premium Ranking, this new initiative rewards canal customers that meet high environmental efficiency standards.
It also offers qualifying customers the opportunity to improve their position within the Panama Canal’s Customer Ranking System, which is taken into consideration when booking for transit through the Panama Canal.
The Ranking system will award customers with percentage points in the “number of transits” criteria when calculating the customer ranking. In order for customers to receive this benefit, their vessels must meet at least one of the following requirements:
| INDICATOR | LEVEL 1 | LEVEL 2 | DOCUMENTATION | |
| 1 | Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) threshold | at least 20 percent below the reference line | at least 30 percent below the reference line | International Energy Efficiency Certificate |
| 2 | Environmental Ship Index (ESI) threshold | at least 35 points | at least 80 points | ESI database |
| 3 | Low nitrogen oxide (NOx) threshold | at least 10 percent below Tier II limit | at least 20 percent below Tier II limit | Engine International Air Pollution Prevention (EIAPP) Certificate |
| 4 | LNG-fueled engine | LNG-fueled engine | LNG engine description |
This latest initiative is part of the Canal’s Green Connection Environmental Recognition Program, which recognises customers who demonstrate excellent environmental stewardship and to encourage others to implement technologies and standards to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program encompasses both the Environmental Premium Ranking and Green Connection Award, which was launched in July 2016 to honour Canal customers who comply with the highest environmental performance standards set by the International Maritime Organization.Vessels that qualify as “Level 1” will receive an additional 10 percentage points for each transit through the Canal towards their overall customer ranking, and vessels that qualify as “Level 2” will receive an additional 20 percentage points per transit to improve their rank.
“With the addition of the Environmental Premium Ranking to our Recognition Program, we’re rewarding those who make conscious efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in technology that will make shipping even more efficient,” said Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano.
The incentive will become effective for transits beginning January 1, 2017.
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