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The Port of Gothenburg has welcomed the Swedish government's proposal to ease tax on onshore power supply for vessels.

The port has actively lobbied for financial incentives to be granted to shipping companies and ports as a means of encouraging the adoption of onshore power supply for vessels. It now hopes that the announcement will lead to greater use of the system.

Commenting on the news, Magnus Kårestedt, chief executive of the Port of Gothenburg said: "Today's announcement by the government is extremely positive. Apart from the fact that customers who already use this technology will have a considerably reduced cost, I believe the decision will lead to further operators linking up. Onshore power supply will now become a more financially attractive alternative."

The port of Gothenburg was the first in the world to offer high-voltage, onshore power supply for freight vessels. The initiative began in 2000 through successful collaboration with Stora Enso. At present, around 20 per cent of vessels that call at the Port of Gothenburg are linked to the system.

Åsa Wilske, who is responsible for environmental affairs at the Port of Gothenburg said: "Those customers that are already part of the system have contributed by reducing carbon dioxide emissions by around 5,000 tonnes each year. Our aim is that as many as possible link up so that the figure is at least 30,000 tonnes per year."

The Port of Gothenburg is currently offering ro/ro vessels and ferries operating scheduled services the opportunity to link up to onshore power supply free of charge within 12 months. In addition, all quays that are being redeveloped, renovated or constructed are provided with ducts for onshore power supply and a further two facilities are currently being built for Stena Line traffic.

"This is what is required for this technology to become more widespread and reinforces the work being done at the port with the aim of becoming an environmentally smart link in the logistics chain," said Magnus Kårestedt.