The latest Clean Vessel Incentive (CVI) program offered by The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is off to a flying start. Twenty-one companies enrolled in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s latest CVI during Q1 2017 for an increase of 24 percent over companies who enrolled in Q1 2016. In addition, 272 qualifying vessels registered with the CVI program during Q1 2017 representing an increase of 7 percent over Q1 2016. Financial incentives earned by CVI participants in Q1 2017 totaled $515,500, which represents an increase of 32 percent compared to Q1 2016. “These are very encouraging numbers,” said Joseph Talkiewicz, who manages the CVI program for the Port Authority. “The various benchmarks for increased participation reflect our agency’s commitment to a cleaner, greener, and overall more efficient port.” The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey designed its Clean Vessel Incentive (CVI) Program as an important component of its Clean Air Strategy for the Port of New York and New Jersey. The CVI incentivizes the operators of ocean-going vessels calling at Port Authority marine terminals to reduce their emissions beyond the regulatory environmental standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The average clean vessel score for Q1 2017 was“41”compared to “34” in Q1 2016, which means the average payment for each qualifying vessel is now$1,500 compared to $1,000 per qualifying vessel call in first quarter 2016. Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) had the most qualifying vessel calls with 51 in Q1 2017. Their accomplishment was followed by NYK Line (North America) Inc. Evergreen Shipping Agency’s vessel Ever Lasting recorded the highest Environmental Ship Index (ESI) Score at “54.1.” Everlasting was also one of ten vessels with an ESI score above “50”.