OceanScore named as ESI administrator

The Environmental Ship Index is a voluntary, industry-led environmental performance framework that enables ports to incentivise ships achieving emissions performance beyond applicable regulatory requirements.

Participating shipowners and operators can benefit from incentives such as port fee reductions, based on independently assessed environmental criteria that go beyond compliance with international rules.

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“We are excited to work in partnership with our new administrator OceanScore to ensure ESI remains the global benchmark for incentivising the environmental performance of vessels,” said Patrick Verhoeven, managing director of IAPH.

“Amid uncertainty about the maritime industry’s long-term strategy for decarbonisation, ESI remains a trusted, established and evolving solution to help ports reward those vessels reducing emissions at a level beyond the IMO baseline.”

For ports, ESI provides a consistent and transparent mechanism to recognise and reward environmental performance, support incentive schemes, and demonstrate sustainability leadership beyond their direct Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

The scheme is currently supported by more than 70 ports and maritime administrations worldwide, with over 6,500 vessels registered, making it the most widely adopted environmental incentive framework in global shipping.

Under the new agreement, OceanScore becomes the globally exclusive administrator of ESI and will work closely with IAPH, the ESI Board and the ESI Technical Advisory Group to ensure continuity, transparency and consistent application of the framework.

The change in administration will not result in any immediate changes for ports or shipowners participating in ESI.