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The Port of New York and New Jersey says its amended Clean Vessel Incentive (CVI) Program, launched on January 1, 2016, achieved "superb results" during the first quarter of 2016.

A total of 253 qualifying vessel calls were logged, earning incentives totalling $385,000 for clean vessels. The figures represent increases of 35 percent and 10 percent, respectively, compared to the first quarter of 2015.

NYK Line (North America) Inc. had the most qualifying vessel calls at 49, as well as the highest total incentive award earned - $86,000.

Evergreen Marine's vessel, Ever Libra, recorded the highest Environmental Ship Index (ESI) score at 54.2, and was one of seven vessels with ESI scores above 50.

The ESI evaluates a vessel's nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide emissions, whether or not it can receive shore power, and also includes a reporting scheme on the greenhouse gas it releases.

The total ESI score provides an indication of the environmental performance of an ocean-going vessel. For vessels that participate in vessel speed reduction, the CVI Program adds more points to the ESI score.

Ships equipped with Tier II engines, which achieve 20 percent nitrogen oxide reduction over Tier I engines, earn additional financial incentives.

During the first quarter of 2016, 16 qualifying vessel calls were made by ships with Tier II engines; this represents a 100 percent increase on the corresponding period last year.

"The bottom line is this: the CVI Program is attracting much cleaner vessels, and more of them, to the Port Authority's marine terminals," the Port of New York and New Jersey said.