“GREEN” PORT DUES AS A TOOL FOR INVESTMENT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ECOLOGICAL TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS SYSTEMS

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of the topic of the article is conditioned by the negative impact of transport and logistics systems on the environment. The operation of ports and sea vessels is associated with significant emissions and environmental damage. On the other hand, greening of transport infrastructure is a developing world trend, which is reflected in the investments of ship owners and the system of port dues. Purpose. The article is devoted to the generalization of current practices and technologies that directly affect the environmental consequences of transport and logistics systems, the systematization of price incentives for “green” vessels in seaports, the identification of a special form of environmental investment of port enterprises to obtain an ecological effect, and the classification of the main criteria for port dues incentives. Results. The practical experience of selected environmental indices, initiatives and incentive schemes are generalized, as well as the features of using each tool. The practices and technologies that directly affect the environmental consequences of the transport and logistics systems are systematized. The main areas of influence from the side of ship owners, ports, maritime corporations and terminals are highlighted. A special form of environmental investment of port / port administrations in the form of price incentives for “green” vessels for obtaining an ecological effect for ecosystem of port cities has been identified. Various price incentives for “green” ships in some European, Asian and American ports are summarized. The main criteria for discounts from “green” port dues are classified. Conclusions. Participation in the global and local ecological programs gives seaports the opportunity to encourage the most environmentally friendly ships, reduce the negative impact on the environment, get an ecological effect, and ship owners – to receive discounts visiting such ports and invest in the greening of the fleet. The practices and technologies, that directly affect the environmental consequences of the activities of participants in transport and logistics systems, for ship owners include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, using more environmentally friendly engines, minimizing risk of oily discharges; for ports, maritime corporations and terminals – reducing of GHG emissions and air pollutants; reducing underwater noise sources, cargo losses and waste generated during handling, transportation and storage of dry bulk, etc. Environmental protection measures in the form of price incentives for “green” vessels with the aim of obtaining an ecological effect for ecosystem of port cities can be considered as a special form of environmental investment of port enterprises. The main criteria for green port dues incentives include GHG labels for certified vessels, use zero carbon fuel, LNG as marine fuel, technologies for reduction of underwater noise, specialized types of vessels that meet certain environmental requirement, and port time duration.