TAG: GS-2: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: Mormugao Port Authority has gained global recognition as an incentive provider on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) platform.
EXPLANATION:
About the Environmental Ship Index (ESI):
- It is the first port in India to implement Green Ship Incentives under the ESI, promoting eco-friendly practices in shipping.
- Launched in 2011 by the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP) under the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
- To encourage ships to adopt technologies and practices that minimize emissions, contributing to air quality improvement and climate change mitigation.
- The port launched the “Harit Shrey” scheme in October 2023, offering port fee discounts based on ESI ratings of commercial vessels.
Environmental Ship Index evaluates emissions of:
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- Sulfur oxides (SOx)
- Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- Particulate matter from seagoing vessels.
How effective is ESI to reduce emissions, and what metrics are used to evaluate this effectiveness?
- The ESI provides a framework for incentivizing ships based on their environmental performance, specifically targeting reductions in air emissions such as CO2, SOx, and NOx.
- The effectiveness of the ESI is evaluated using specific metrics, including a ship’s ESI score, which is derived from factors such as engine efficiency, fuel quality, and the implementation of emission reduction technologies.
- The ESI enables ports to analyze the overall impact of green shipping initiatives through aggregated data on participating vessels.
What are the future developments planned for the ESI?
- Future plans include expanding metrics to cover additional pollutants and carbon intensity for a more comprehensive environmental assessment.
- Enhancements in digital reporting for easier tracking of emissions data and performance analytics.
- Planned updates will aim to support the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 decarbonization targets, including zero-emission technology.
How will they align with global maritime regulations aimed at decarbonization?
- ESI updates will align with IMO’s MARPOL Annex VI regulations on pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases (GHG).
- ESI’s future adaptations will address carbon intensity targets and promote alternative fuels like ammonia and hydrogen, in line with IMO’s goal of net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
- The ESI is part of the broader World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP), promoting sustainability in port operations and low-carbon maritime trade.
- ESI aims to further incentivize the adoption of energy-efficient engines, battery systems, and hybrid propulsion to support long-term emission reduction.
Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2067621
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