The Amended Clean Vessel Incentive Program (CVI Program), launched on January 1, 2016, achieved superb results for first quarter 2016. A total of 253 qualifying vessel calls were logged, earning incentives totaling $385,000 for clean vessels. These figures represent increases of 35% and 10%, respectfully, over the same results polled in the first quarter 2015.

NYK Line (North America) Inc. had the most qualifying vessel calls at 49, as well as the highest incentive award earned, totaling $86,000.

Evergreen Marine’s vessel, Ever Libra, recorded the highest Environmental Ship Index (ESI) Score at 54.2, and was one of seven vessels with ESI scores above 50.

The ESI evaluates a vessel’s nitrogen oxide and sulfur oxide emissions, whether or not it can receive shore power, and also includes a reporting scheme on the greenhouse gas it releases.

The total ESI score provides a good indication of the environmental performance of an ocean going vessel. For vessels that participate in vessel speed reduction, the CVI Program adds more points to the ESI score.

Ships equipped with Tier II engines, which achieve 20% nitrogen oxide reduction over Tier I engines, earn additional financial incentive.

During first quarter 2016, 16 qualifying vessel calls were made by ships with Tier II engines; this represents a 100% increase over first quarter 2015.

The bottom line is this: the CVI Program is attracting much cleaner vessels, and more of them, to the Port Authority’s marine terminals.