204 - 08/01 - Port of Hamburg offers incentives for environmentally friendly ships

With effect from 1st July 2001, ships considered to be especially friendly to the environment calling at the port of Hamburg will receive a rebate on harbour dues of 6% or 12%. The Harbour and Environment Authorities intend that this will induce shipowners to make ships cleaner and more environmentally friendly. The ships to be rewarded will be those which can demonstrate a high standard in the areas of waste gas pollution or ship painting or have environmental certification eg ISO 14001. All decisions will be based on existing certification systems or easily verifiable environmental care measures. The project is to be valid initially for a five year period and will be financed by the environmental authorities.

Source of information: Claas W. Brons, Hamburg (Correspondent)