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Rotterdam will be the first port in the world to reward ocean-going LNG tankers that possess the Green Award certificate.

Rotterdam Port Authority has said that it will provide these vessels with a 6 percent discount on port dues when they arrive in Rotterdam. LNG tankers have been calling at the port of Rotterdam since the opening of the Gate Terminal in 2011.

The Green Award is a certificate presented by the Green Award Foundation to ships and maritime companies that have invested in their vessels and crew in order to improve environmental performance, safety and quality.

Last year, Green Award Foundation began to certify LNG tankers - vessels that carry natural gas that has been converted to a liquid state at extremely low temperatures, making it safe to transport. Currently there are 36 LNG tankers with a Green Award certificate in operation.

"It is in keeping with Port of Rotterdam policy to support sustainable shipping. That is why it has rewarded Green Award oil tankers and inland vessels up to now," Rotterdam Port Authority said.

In addition to supporting the Green Award certificate, the Port of Rotterdam has also been involved in the development of the Environmental Ship Index, an index for sustainable shipping. Last year, the Port of Rotterdam said it stimulated sustainable shipping to the tune of over €2 million.