In News:

• Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) has been globally recognized as an incentive provider on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) platform, acknowledged by the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
• Mormugao is India's first port to implement Green Ship Incentives through the ESI, contributing to global efforts to reduce maritime air emissions.

 ‘Harit Shrey’ Scheme:

• Launched in October 2023, the ‘Harit Shrey’ scheme provides discounts on port fees based on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) scores of commercial vessels.
• Ships with higher ESI scores (indicating better environmental performance) are rewarded with incentives to encourage eco-friendly practices in shipping.

ESI and Global Efforts for Emission Reduction:

• The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) is a global system to evaluate and reward ships based on their environmental performance, particularly their emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx).
• The 2023 IMO greenhouse gas strategy aims to reduce the carbon intensity of international shipping by at least 40% by 2030.

Incentives and Benefits:

• The Harit Shrey scheme has already benefitted several vessels, promoting greenhouse gas emission reductions and contributing to sustainable maritime operations.
• The scheme aligns with global sustainability goals, particularly in reducing the carbon footprint of shipping operations.

Sustainability Recognition:

• The Mormugao Port Authority has submitted the Harit Shrey scheme for consideration in the IAPH Sustainability Awards under the World Port Sustainability Programme (WPSP), reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The Environmental Ship Index (ESI):

• ESI is a system that evaluates and rewards ships for better environmental performance than the standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
• Ships are assessed based on their emissions of NOx and SOx, with greenhouse gas reporting also included in the evaluation.

Main Features of ESI:

• Port-Centric: Developed as a port-to-port system, where ports can offer incentives based on the ESI score.
• Voluntary Participation: Shipowners participate voluntarily to demonstrate their vessels' environmental performance.
• Automated Calculation: The ESI score is automatically calculated and updated.
• Incentives: Ships with higher ESI scores may receive benefits such as reduced port fees and priority berthing.