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News | 2020-01-11

IVL takes over Clean Shipping Index

Shipping is considered an energy-efficient mode of transport with low carbon dioxide emissions per unit transported. But the efficiency depends on the type of ship and the amount of cargo transported. Ships emit e.g. nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides and affect marine life through discharges of wasterwater, chemicals and waste.

Researchers from IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute have participated in the technical committee of Clean Shipping Index since the start and Sara Sköld, project manager at IVL, sees many advantages in taking over the helm.

IVL successfully operates several independent eco-labels. Clean Shipping Index will be another index that shows our cutting-edge expertise and this time in transport, environment and sustainability, says Sara Sköld.

Through Clean Shipping Index, the environmental performance of ships can be assessed based on their emissions to air and water, but as well can be determined which shipowners have the most sustainable fleet. The Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) uses it to environmentally differentiate Swedish fairway dues, which all ships pay to be able to operate in Swedish waters and to dock at Swedish ports.

Sabina Hoppe, unit manager for environment and sustainability at SMA and responsible for the environmental differentiation of the fairway dues, has seen several advantages of using Clean Shipping Index.

Clean Shipping Index looks at several aspects of shipping’s environmental impact – both emissions to air and water, something we see as positive. We look forward to collaborating with IVL to tackle future environmental challenges in the field of shipping, she says.

Clean Shipping Index is a database with vessels from the international shipping industry, registered based on their emissions to air and water. It is used to environmentally differentiate port fees in Sweden, Canada and Finland and for fairway charges in Sweden. It is also a tool for cargo owners to be able to choose sustainable shipping alternatives. IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute is taking over the operation of this independent environmental index from January 2021.