“We’re rewarding those who make conscious efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in technology that will make shipping even more efficient,” says Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano.
The ACP calls the new system “Environmental Premium Ranking.” The Canal has an existing ranking system for customers which it uses when figuring out bookings for transits, based in part on how often a vessel operator uses the canal.
The new system gives two levels of extra recognition to clean ships, with many ways of qualifying. Vessels with EEDI efficiency numbers 20 percent below baseline get Level 1; 30 percent below baseline, Level 2. There are similar provisions for the Environmental Ship Index and for NOx emissions, and any vessel with an LNG-fueled engine qualifies for Level 2 – giving LNG carriers an automatic leg up.
