Canadian ports offer ‘A to G’ rating discounts

   The two largest west coast ports in Canada are offering financial incentives to shipowners based on the “A to G” Greenhouse Gas Emission rating, according to a news release from the Carbon War Room.
   Vessels that enter Port Metro Vancouver and Prince Rupert Port will be rewarded by their efficiency, determined by the ports’ respective “EcoAction” and “Green Wave” programs.
   Vessels that meet specific emission levels set by the system will receive a port dues discount. The rating system was established by RightShip and the Carbon War Room, and contains information on more than 70,000 vessels.
   According to port officials, Port Metro Vancouver’s program yielded $1.1 million in discounts last year, and Prince Rupert Port is forecasting $100,000 in discounts for 2014.
   Jose Maria Figueres, president of Carbon War Room, stated, “It is great to see the ports joining the pioneering charterers who are using the ‘A to G’ rating to enhance their commercial operations. As important demand-side stakeholders, ports have a key role to play in encouraging greater use of efficiency rating systems and in rewarding shipowners who invest to make their fleets more efficient.”