November 3 - In January 2011, under the auspices of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), the World Ports Climate Initiative (WPCI) will introduce the Environmental Ship Index (ESI), an international standard for calculating emissions

Six major European ports, the ports of Le Havre, Bremen, Hamburg, Antwerp, Rotterdam and Amsterdam have worked together closely over the past two years to develop the ESI.

The ports, each handling significant heavy lift and project cargoes, will be able to use the index to reward clean ships and so contribute to encouraging sustainability in the shipping industry.

Participation by shipowners is voluntary. Participating ships will receive a certificate that may form the basis of a reward system employed by ports and other nautical service providers, discounting port dues, rates and alike.

55 of the world's key ports have committed themselves, under the WPCI, to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions while continuing their role as transportation and economic hubs.

For further information visit www.environmentalshipindex.org.

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