Green accolade for Rolls-Royce

The LNG fuelled ferries Bergensfjord and Stavangerfjord are owned by Fjord Line and operate between Norway and Denmark. Bergensfjord scored 93.9 points and Stavangerfjord rated at 93.5 on the index, making them the most efficient vessels currently listed.

The 3194 ships currently listed on the ESI are ranked according to their efficiency. The greater the number scored, the more efficient the vessel. Currently, 50 vessels score higher than 50 and a further 178 score between 40 and 50 points, but the rest rank lower on the index.

These two ferries are driven exclusively by LNG and have no need for oil fuel which is why they score so highly. Fjord Line said it will continue to improve the efficiency of its vessels and is currently looking at moving to LED lighting to reduce energy consumption on board.

The ESI identifies ships that have lower emissions than are stipulated in the emissions standards of the IMO. It covers the amount of carbon dioxide CO2, nitrogen oxides NOx and sulphur oxides SOx emitted and helps to identify and consequently reward cleaner vessels. It forms part of the World Ports Climate Initiative where key ports around the world have committed themselves to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.

Efficient vessels are rewarded with favourable terms by ports, often in the form of reduced port dues.