AmericasEnvironmentOperations

Green carpet treatment offered by the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal Authority is rolling out a special green carpet, offering quicker transit bookings for its most environmentally friendly customers. The canal’s new environment premium ranking will go into effect on January 1.

The new incentive allows qualified customers the opportunity to improve their position within the canal’s customer ranking system, which is taken into consideration when booking for transit through the waterway.

Ships will be assessed via a variety of different methods including the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI). LNG-fuelled ships will get favourable treatment too.

“We’re rewarding those who make conscious efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in technology that will make shipping even more efficient,” said Panama Canal administrator Jorge Quijano. “We look forward to working with our customers and industry partners to further bring value to their businesses and to our route, all while reinforcing commitments to sustainability and environmental protection.”

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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