In a pivotal move in 2023, Faxaports/Port Reykjavik Iceland etched its name as the inaugural port outside Norway to join the prestigious Environmental Port Index (EPI). This heralded a wave of participation, with several Icelandic and North Atlantic ports subsequently joining, amplifying the EPI's membership to 29 ports.
Sigurdur Jokull Olafsson (marketing manager at Faxaports) emphasized the port's transformation into a pivotal turnaround Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) hub in the North Atlantic. With a resolute commitment to onshore power obligations from 2030, the EPI emerged as a linchpin in realizing Faxaports' environmental goals.
Olafsson stated that Faxaports had become a key turnaround TEN-T port in the North Atlantic and as such they had an obligation from 2030 regarding onshore power, where the EPI would be an important link towards their 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.”
In his role as the EPI representative in Iceland, Olafsson played a crucial role in fostering alignment among ports. Notably, Akureyri and Seydisfjordur embraced the EPI in the previous year, and Isafjordur is poised to integrate the system in January.
Since the inception of 2023, the EPI has amassed over 2,500 reports documenting port stays, amassing a wealth of invaluable data. The system now records nearly 200 cruise vessels, witnessing an average EPI score rise from 40 to 45, with 100 denoting the pinnacle of environmental performance.
The surge in cruise traffic by 23% in EPI-affiliated ports in the past year is emblematic of the growing momentum. Furthermore, data gleaned from these ports reveals a notable shift towards cleaner fuels, with LNG usage skyrocketing from 5% in 2022 to an impressive 20% in 2023.
Attributed to advanced exhaust cleaning technologies, NOx emissions per port stay witnessed a commendable 24% reduction, while SOx emissions per port stay saw an even more substantial decrease of 47%, surpassing baseline expectations.
Reflecting on the journey since the operational inception in 2019, the average EPI score has witnessed a commendable ascent, surging from 30% to the current impressive standing at 45%.