ESI-based discounts introduced at Tallinn

Starting in 2019, ships participating in the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) may apply for up to an 8% discount on tonnage fees in the harbours of the Port of Tallinn.

The new port pricing system involves differentiated port fees and aims to encourage shipping companies to adopt environmentally friendlier technologies.

Port of Tallin’s head of Quality and Environmental Management Ellen Kaasik said: “All the vessels sailing on the Baltic Sea must meet current applicable environmental regulations. Our aim as the landlord port is to encourage shipping companies to make extra efforts for adopting sustainable solutions and thus for protecting the fragile ecosystem of our Baltic Sea.”

Port of Tallinn member of the Management Board Margus Vihman added: “The Port of Tallinn, as a socially responsible company, views environmental protection as one of the pillars of our business. Motivating our partners in the shipping industry to contribute to reducing air pollution will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the overall quality of life in the communities [in which] we operate.”

To receive the discount, ships must hold a specific ESI score. Vessels with an ESI score of 80 and above may apply for a discount of 8% on tonnage fees; ships with an ESI score between 65 and 79.9 can apply for a discount of 3%.

Port-based incentives to lower emissions from vessels and comply with the forthcoming IMO 2020 global sulphur cap are open for discussion at the next Sulphur Cap 2020 Conference, Awards, and Exhibition taking place in Amsterdam in May 2019.