THE Vancouver Port Authority (VPA) has launched a Harbour Dues Programme from the start of this month.

Harbour dues are the fees charged to vessels entering the Port of Vancouver.

The new programme recognises vessels that are working to reduce air emissions that they discharge into the Lower Fraser Valley air shed, a statement from port authorities said.

"Reducing port-related emissions, including those from marine vessels, forms a key component of meeting our commitment to sustainable port operations," said port authority president Gordon Houston.

The rates are based on the air emission standard of the vessel. The differentiated rates - Basic, Bronze, Silver and Gold at the top - are designed to provide a wide variety of technology and fuel options to vessels in order to promote awareness of a number of alternative emission reduction practices.

Under the new Harbour Dues programme, the VPA said it hopes to encourage superior environmental practices, such as a move by "K" Line for all its container vessels operating the Pacific Northwest service to switch to low sulphur fuel in auxiliary machinery while the vessels are docked.