London: The Clean Shipping Index, a measure to recognise ship operators who perform above current environmental standards, has been launched in Gotherburg, Sweden.
The Clean Shipping Project said it is the first time an environmental index has been developed to evaluate shipping companies as a whole. Twelve of Sweden's biggest importers and exporters have singed a letter of intent to use it to place demands on their shipping suppliers. These companies are now asking 77 of the world's largest shipping operators to report environmental information through the Clean Shipping Index. The reporting deadline is August 31 this year.
"This is a winning concept for many parties and will lead to a more sustainable growth" commented Jan Hallberg, chairman of the The Göteborg Region Association of Local Authorities.
The index addresses 20 factors that can affect the environment, including marine fuel, lubricants, bilge water, ballast water, antifouling paint, refrigerants and waste.
Those mulling signing up, be warned. It is hard to meet the critical standards. Take sulphur content, for instance. Even the well regarded Wallenius Wilhemsen would fail on this count with its 1.3% content.
According to the Clean Shipping Criteria, ships should burn fuel with no more then 1% sulphur in their main engines for the period 2007-2009.
"A high ranking represents a competitive advantage and environmental gains both for the shipping operator and its customers. This is a driving force that has previously been lacking in the shipping industry," the Clean Shipping Project said in a press release.
The Clean Shipping Project is a non-profit project driven by public authorities in Sweden with financial support from the EU Structural Fund.
The Clean Shipping Index has just been published the project website (www.cleanshippingproject.se) and is freely available for anyone to use, and non-Swedish companies are also welcome to participate in the network. [30/6/08]
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