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Leading international classification society Bureau Veritas has introduced a Green Rating Composite Index, which will provide charterers and regulators with a tool to compare the environmental performance of ships and will give owners a tool against which to assess environmental investment in the vessel.

The Green Rating Composite Index builds on BV's international experience with rating the environmental performance of buildings and its research into new technologies to make ships more fuel efficient.

"To encourage the market to use the most environmentally-friendly ships, and to encourage owners and yards to invest in greener technology, we must have a clear standard to compare the environmental performance of ships," explained Didier Chaléat, Senior Vice-President, Bureau Veritas.

"We have started two years ago with our Golden Pearls labels to allow cruise companies to show to the public the specific attention paid to environmental matters related to air, water and waste emissions. But that is not enough for general shipping. There are moves to develop schemes in shipping but the lead has come from other industries where such indices already exist. So we have used BV's experience in other fields to benefit shipping by developing this new Green Rating scheme which can apply to great variety of ships. It will be a powerful tool for creating meaningful green comparison in the market place and for helping owners differentiate investment efficiently."

The Bureau Veritas Green Rating Composite Index is built on two indices which bring together a set of measurable variables in two ways. The indices measure five variables:

1. Energy performance (in kJ/tonne/mile or kJ/passenger/cruise day)

2. Greenhouse gas emissions (in kg/tonne/mile or kg/passenger/cruise day)

3. SOX emissions (in kg/tonne/mile or kg/passenger/cruise day)

4. NOX emissions (in kg/tonne/mile or kg/passenger/cruise day)

5. The period the vessel can operate without discharge of fluids such as black water or grey water.

These variables are first calculated using the ship's design performance criteria for a set of recognised standard operating conditions and combined to produce an Intrinsic Index. This Intrinsic Index figure can then be used to compare all vessels on a like for like basis, as the calculations always refer to the same standard operating conditions.

Separately all the variables are also measured in service for the actual trade routes or real operational profile of the vessel. The measured values are combined to produce an Actual Index. This can be compared with the more theoretical standard situation of the Intrinsic Index.

Both indices can be used to calculate the effects and benefits of different potential investments in green technology, such as scrubbing, new waste handling plant or fuel consumption reducing measures. According to Bureau Veritas, this will then provide a better estimate of the relevant investment payback for any potential green investment.

Chaléat commented: "We have seen these indexes work in other industries, now it is time for shipping to take this up. We can help ship users compare ships, help owners who have invested in green technology to prosper in the market place and help owners who wish to invest and upgrade their vessels or change operational practices to target their investments where they will do most good. And also help of them to quantify, accelerate and publicise the results of their efforts to be more environmental friendly and energy efficient."