The process to build a new ‘at berth’ module for the IAPH Environmental Ship Index (ESI) has commenced. The new module will focus on the environmental performance of ships at berth for each port call. An online kick-off meeting by the project team was held 21 February. The module will initially focus on cruise shipping and will be funded by contributions from major cruise ports and IAPH. It will develop in two phases, starting with the reporting model, followed by the development of an at berth performance- and emissions indicator. A core working group of ports, representatives from the cruise industry and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and the website building company Nalta, has been established to accompany the development phases. The project is led by the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Amsterdam, being supported by IAPH and Green Award Foundation, which manages the ESI operation, and Starcrest. The aim is to have the at berth module in full operation by the beginning of 2023. The ESI at-berth module will bring ESI to the next level by also assessing and rewarding actual performance related to each port call. This will feed port emission inventories and will trigger further emissions reduction through the voluntary application of incentives by the ESI ports. Starting with cruise vessels as a pilot for a two-year period, the at-berth module is then expected to expand to other types of traffic subject to positive evaluation. For further information on the development of the at-berth module, please contact: Teresa Pisano, marine environmental supervisor in the environmental management division at the Port of Los Angeles and Henri van der Weide, policy advisor at the Port of Amsterdam.
