Five of RasGas Company Limited’s (RasGas) ships continue to lead in the “most environment-friendly vessels” category, according to the World Port Climate Initiative (WPCI).
Launched in 2008, the WPCI currently has 55 of the world’s key ports committed to reducing greenhouse gases participating in its programme.
The WPCI ports offer incentives to ships with the best environmental performance calling at their facilities to help reduce and improve the quality of their emissions through substantial discounts on tonnage dues.
Currently, there are 2,148 ships committed to the WPCI’s industry-recognised standards. Ships’ performance and adherence to WPCI standards are reviewed every three months.
Al Areesh and Al Daayen currently hold the first and second positions, respectively. RasGas’ chartered ships, Lusail, Ejnan and Al Marrouna, are also among the top 25.
“RasGas elected to join this programme as part of our commitment to managing our business in an environmentally responsible manner. Having five of our chartered vessels registered with the WPCI take such leading positions is a testament to the rigorous environmental standards we maintain throughout the supply chain,” said Khalid Sultan R al-Kuwari, RasGas chief marketing and shipping executive.
The majority of RasGas’ LNG tankers use steam boilers, which are known to release much smaller quantities of nitrogen oxide when compared to diesel engines. The company’s conventional vessels are also made to run on cleaner natural gas whenever possible, reducing sulphur oxide emissions to best achievable results.
RasGas’ integrated shipping fleet consists of a variety of conventional ships, Q-Flex tankers and a Q-Max vessel, enhancing the company’s flexibility in meeting the global demand.