In a remarkable achievement, the Faxaports/Port of Reykjavik marked a historic milestone in 2023 by becoming the first port outside of Norway to adopt the Environmental Port Index (EPI). This pioneering move triggered a chain reaction, with numerous Icelandic and North Atlantic ports following suit, culminating in an impressive roster of 29 member ports.
Sigurdur Jokull Olafsson, marketing manager of Faxaports/Port of Reykjavik, says "Faxaports have become a key turnaround TEN-T port in the North Atlantic and as such we have an obligation from 2030 regarding onshore power, where the EPI will be an important link towards our goals and commitments."
"To implement the same system as in Norway was incredibly important. With an EPI average of 41.1% compared to Norway at 45.7%, we are almost on the same page. In addition, it will give us more certified data on environmental impacts, which will help demonstrate to the general public here that we are taking environmental matters very seriously."
"As the EPI representative in Iceland, it was important to bring other ports onto the same page. Akureyri and Seydisfjordur implemented EPI last year, and Isafjordur will be on board in January."
Since the inception of 2023, an impressive tally of over 2,500 reports documenting port stays has been meticulously compiled, resulting in the collection of an extensive dataset. The system now boasts the registration of nearly 200 cruise vessels, propelling the average score from 40 to an outstanding 45, with 100 representing the pinnacle of achievement.
The previous year witnessed a notable surge in cruise traffic within EPI-affiliated ports, marking a remarkable 23% increase. Analyzing data gathered from these ports, it is evident that 2023 witnessed a substantial rise in the utilization of cleaner fuels. In 2022, LNG constituted approximately 5% of the fuel used, whereas, in 2023, this figure has soared to an impressive 20%.
Thanks to the integration of exhaust cleaning technologies, NOx emissions per port stay have witnessed a commendable reduction of 24% while SOx emissions per port stay have seen an even more substantial decrease of 47% compared to the baseline of anticipated emissions.
Since its inaugural operational year in 2019, the average EPI score has experienced a noteworthy ascent, increasing by 15 percentage points, progressing from 30% to an impressive 45%.
"The average EPI score continues in an upward trend from start-up. This shows that the ship operators make an effort to accommodate the EPI mission," commented Elisabeth Draegeboe, senior consultant & business development leader, at DNV.
Upcoming development initiatives encompass the launch of a new and enhanced website in 2024. Even Husby, CEO of EPI, comments: "This will be a unique opportunity for our member ports to showcase their work regarding sustainable development. The EPI portal will become a platform for more information regarding each port stay, period of time, and detailed emission data. We want to develop EPI to be the preferred tool for the ports’ environmental reporting and include more ports in the portfolio."
