Port of Amsterdam said the maximum Environmental Ship Index (ESI) discount is doubled for ships with ESI certificates and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
For some years Port of Amsterdam has been giving discounts on port dues to vessels listed in the ESI that have attained an ESI score of 20 points or higher.
"As of 1 August, we will be increasing this incentive by adding another discount: Port of Amsterdam will be doubling the maximum ESI discount for vessels that are in the possession of an ESI certificate and use LNG for their main engine or auxiliary engine," said a press release.
LNG emits significantly smaller quantities of particulate matter than other fuels, as well as producing less carbon dioxide. 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 1 August. We also aim to have a bunker pontoon for LNG in place in the Port of Amsterdam by the end of 2018," it said.
The introduction of this discount will help to advance our mission of encouraging the 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.