Panama Canal launches Incentives for Cleaner Shipping

Today, the Panama Canal launched the Environmental Premium Ranking, a new initiative that rewards customers who meet high environmental efficiency standards.
 
The new incentive allows qualified 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. 
 
This latest initiative is part of the Canal’s Green Connection Environmental Recognition Program, which recognizes 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 honor Canal customers who comply with the highest environmental performance standards set by the International Maritime Organization.
 
Here’s How it Works
 
The Environmental Premium Ranking will award customers with percentage points in the “number of transits” criteria when calculating the customer ranking. These additional points will allow customers to improve their position in the Customer Ranking System

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

 

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.
 
The incentive will become effective for transits beginning January 1, 2017. Participation is optional. Interested vessel must request participation and deliver documentation, which supports the environmental efficiency rating at least 96 hours prior to the vessel's arrival to Canal waters to the following email: [email protected].
 
“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. “We look forward to working with our customers and industry partners to further bring value to their businesses and to our route, all while reinforcing commitments to sustainability and environmental protection.