Access Port Incentives Worldwide with Environmental Ship Index (ESI)
The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) is a voluntary, industry-led environmental performance scheme supported by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and administered globally by OceanScore.
One Scheme, Dozens of Ports: Simplifying Access to Port Incentives with ESI
Shipping companies participate in ESI to turn environmental performance into tangible commercial benefits without adding complexity to their operations. By joining ESI, shipping companies can achieve tangible benefits such as:
100+ Ports:
Enjoy incentives from 100+ ports globally through one scheme
Trusted, industry-led governance:
Backed by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), recognized by IMO, managed by OceanScore
Low effort, low cost participation:
Easy membership, straightforward reporting and cost-efficient access to port incentives across multiple ports.
7000+ Vessels:
Participate in the most widely adopted port incentive framework in shipping
ESI Reporting Is Simple, Not Another Compliance Burden
A common misconception is that participating in ESI involves complex reporting or extensive data requirements. In practice, ESI reporting is straightforward and harmonised. As the globally mandated for ESI, OceanScore provides pro-active customer support throughout the process, supporting shipping companies from first questions to successful data submission.
Ships register for the Environmental Ship Index (ESI)
ESI score is automatically reported based on a few data reported
Ports apply incentives, mostly through port fee reductions
A Globally Recognised Way for Shipping Companies to Earn Port Incentives
Backed by IAPH and used by more than 100 ports worldwide
- Over 7,000 vessels of all types and sizes already participate
Very few data points required to join
Simple, harmonised reporting across participating ports
More ports than any other comparable incentive scheme
Cost-efficient participation with immediate applicability
OceanScore as Administrator of ESI
Under agreement with IAPH, OceanScore acts as the global administrator of the Environmental Ship Index (ESI), supporting scheme operation, data handling, and user support in close coordination with ESI governing bodies.
- Scheme operation and technical administration
- Data handling and verification processes
- Pro-active customer service for shipping companies
- Continuous development aligned with evolving regulatory and technical requirements
OceanScore works in close coordination with IAPH, the ESI Board, and the ESI Technical Advisory Group to ensure continuity, transparency, and consistent application of the ESI framework.
In addition, OceanScore customers benefit from reduced reporting needs.
Backed by IAPH & Recognized by IMO
The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) is supported by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and recognized by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Incentives offered by more than 100 ports globally, more than by any other scheme.
100+ ports and maritime administrations
7,000+ vessels registered
Leading scheme of its kind globally
Participating Ships
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FAQs
Our FAQs explain how ESI works and more.
The Environmental Ship Index (ESI) is a voluntary, industry-led environmental performance scheme that enables ports to incentivise ships demonstrating environmental performance beyond applicable regulatory requirements. It is supported by the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) and administered globally by OceanScore.
By participating in ESI, shipping companies can access port incentives across more than 100 ports worldwide through a single, globally recognised scheme. Participation also allows shipping companies to demonstrate their sustainability engagement using an independently assessed framework.
Participating ports apply incentives based on ESI scores. These incentives typically include port fee reductions, although the exact incentive structure is defined individually by each port.
ESI does not replace regulatory compliance. Instead, it incentivises environmental performance beyond applicable regulatory requirements, including beyond IMO baseline standards. Only performance exceeding regulatory thresholds is rewarded.
ESI currently covers NOₓ and SOₓ emissions, with additional modules evolving over time in line with technical and regulatory developments, including greenhouse gas-related metrics under ESI’s future development roadmap.
ESI is supported by more than 100 ports and maritime administrations worldwide, with over 7,000 vessels currently registered, making it the most widely adopted environmental incentive framework in global shipping.
Participation in ESI requires only a limited number of data points. Data is submitted through a central, easy-to-use portal, designed to minimise administrative effort for shipping companies.
Under agreement with IAPH, OceanScore is the globally mandated administrator of ESI. OceanScore supports scheme operation, data handling, and user support in close coordination with IAPH, the ESI Board, and the ESI Technical Advisory Group.
No. ESI is an industry-led scheme created by ports in cooperation with IAPH and integrated into IAPH’s governance structure. OceanScore acts as administrator, not owner.
Official information, registration, and access to the ESI portal are available at
www.environmentalshipindex.org
If you would like to discuss ESI participation in more detail, OceanScore can support you as the scheme administrator.
Yes. ESI is applicable across a wide range of vessel types, and a significant share of the global container fleet is already registered in the scheme.
You can access this information via https://environmentalshipindex.org/info (Formulas)
ESI 2.0 is the updated methodology of the Environmental Ship Index (ESI), entering into force on 1 January 2027. The updated framework modernizes how vessel environmental performance is assessed and better reflects today’s shipping realities, operational practices and evolving regulation.
Yes. Vessel scores under ESI Core will differ from today’s ESI Air Score due to the updated scoring methodology.
This does not indicate worse vessel performance. It reflects the updated calculation and expanded environmental assessment framework.
The existing ESI methodology has been in place for several years. Based on operational experience and changing regulatory requirements, the framework has been updated to better reflect current shipping operations, environmental technologies and sustainability practices.
ESI Core uses data that shipping companies already manage today, including:
• BDNs
• EDNs
• engine-related data
The updated framework is aligned more closely with existing IMO DCS timelines and annual reporting cycles.
Have questions about how ESI applies to your fleet?
Talk to OceanScore, the globally mandated administrator of the Environmental Ship Index.
Let's TalkLearn More About the Environmental Ship Index
Explore our guides to understand how the Environmental Ship Index works and how ships and ports benefit from it.
ESI Core: What Shipping Companies Need to Know About the Environmental Ship Index Update
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ESI Core: What Ports Need to Know About the Environmental Ship Index Update
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Environmental Ship Index (ESI): The Complete Guide for Shipping Companies and Ports
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