ACL and Grimaldi Deep Sea honoured at 2026 Ports Sustainability Summit

Atlantic Container Line (ACL) and Grimaldi Deep Sea were honoured at the 2026 Ports Sustainability Summit, held at Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne, New Jersey, on 10 April, and hosted by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

The Grimaldi Group companies were recognized for their environmental achievements and commitment to sustainable shipping practices, based on their remarkable 2025 performance, made possible by the steady contribution of vessel captains, officers and remaining crews.  

The Clean Vessel Incentive (CVI) Program recognizes ocean carriers for voluntary efforts to reduce emissions, conserve fuel, and protect marine life, and encourages environmental performance beyond the regulatory standards established by the International Maritime Organization. The CVI Program uses a scoring system that awards points for Vessel Speed Reduction (VSR) and a vessel’s Environmental Ship Index (ESI). Additional incentives are granted on a per-call basis to vessels that demonstrate the use of alternative fuels or advanced emission-reduction technologies. Through these measures, the program promotes operational practices that reduce air pollutants, lower carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and minimize the risk of vessel strikes on whales.

Vessel Speed Reduction 

A central component of the program is VSR compliance, which requires vessels 19.8 metres or longer to slow to 10 knots or less beginning 20 nautical miles outside the Territorial Sea Line. This aligns with federal protections established by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Right Whale Ship Strike Reduction Rule, which are in effect along the U.S. East Coast from 1 November through 30 April to reduce the risk of ship strikes on endangered North Atlantic right whales. Operating at reduced speeds not only helps protect marine life but also improves fuel efficiency and reduces engine load, leading to lower emissions per nautical mile travelled. By promoting and extending compliance year-round, the CVI Program further decreases harmful emissions while enhancing protection for vulnerable marine mammals. 

Environmental Ship Index (ESI)

Developed by the International Association of Ports and Harbours, the ESI is a voluntary benchmarking tool used to evaluate vessel environmental performance. It measures emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur oxides (SOx), while also recognizing vessels equipped to use shore power and those demonstrating ongoing fuel efficiency improvements. These factors contribute to reductions in carbon dioxide (CO₂) and particulate matter (PM) emissions. As a standardized metric, the ESI provides ports and stakeholders with a reliable way to identify and reward cleaner, more environmentally responsible vessels.