Leading the Way Toward a Cleaner Port
The Ports of Faxaflói aim to lead the way toward a sustainable future for Icelandic ports, including through the implementation of the EPI system.
What is EPI?
EPI is a tool that enables ports to assess the environmental footprint of cruise ships during their port calls. Its purpose is to establish financial incentives for more environmentally friendly and sustainable cruise ship operations, thereby reducing the benefits of calling at the Ports of Faxaflói with polluting vessels.
Cruise ships are required to submit data for environmental performance assessment no later than 72 hours after departure. Based on this data, each ship receives an EPI score ranging from 0 (worst) to 100 (best). If a ship does not submit data, it automatically receives a score of 0. The EPI score can provide up to a 17.5% discount on berth fees and up to a 75% surcharge.
Benefits of EPI
- Objective environmental assessment
- Encourages the use of cleaner energy sources
- Promotes reduced emissions
- Enhances transparency and accountability
Emphasis on Environmental Protection
At the Ports of Faxaflói, strong emphasis is placed on environmental protection and sustainability in all operations. As part of this approach, the EPI index is used, which is a system designed to assess and reduce the environmental impact of cruise ships.
The system provides vessels with strong environmental performance with significant discounts on port fees, while imposing surcharges on those that perform less well. In this way, we actively encourage shipping companies to adopt more environmentally friendly technologies and practices, contributing to cleaner ports.
The EPI index is more than just a metric; it is a driver of positive change. By rewarding environmentally friendly vessels with lower fees, we create conditions where sustainability and profitability go hand in hand. This results in cleaner air, reduced impact on marine ecosystems, and strengthens our reputation as a responsible destination. Cleaner shipping is a win for operators, the environment, and society as a whole.