Maersk Line goes low sulphur
PORTS: On 24 January Edith Maersk, one of the world’s largest container vessels, performed her first call to Gothenburg with low sulphur fuel. This will reduce sulphur emissions close to Gothenburg by 90 percent within the port control area.
The fuel switch program will be implemented on all Maersk Line vessels calling Gothenburg in line with the “Improved fuel quality program” introduced by port of Gothenburg.
With this Maersk Line also becomes the first container carrier to join Port of Gothenburg Fuel Switch Program. As a major player in the shipping industry, Maersk Line contributes significantly to total air emissions from vessels. Fuel switch programs near city centres are one of the measures that are taken to lead the way towards more sustainable transportation
Maersk Line vessels, calling port of Gothenburg on a weekly basis will switch to low sulphur marine diesel oil containing less than 0.1 percent sulphur from January 2012 before entering the fairways into Gothenburg. The vessels are sailing in direct service to Asian ports such as Malaysia and China.
“Sulphur is a major problem for our industry. We are concerned with the impact on public health, in particular for people living close to busy ports”, says Jacob Sterling, Head of Climate and Environment, Maersk Line.
The fuel switch program is just in line with Maersk Lines environmental objective – Drive to zero SOx. Maersk Line’s global target is to show leadership and through partnership drive the industry so that that sulphur emissions from shipping can be removed by global regulations.
“The fuel switch will lead to improved health and at the same time reduce our customers supply chain footprint,” says Christian Juul-Nyholm, Manager of Maersk Line Scandinavia.
“Through the participation in this and other fuel switch programs worldwide, Maersk Line clients can feel safe that they choose a carrier that cares for the environment and takes local health impact into consideration.”
“Maersk Line really welcomes the Port of Gothenburg fuel switch program and hopes that other Northern European ports will follow this example,” says Nicklas Viby, Senior Director Maersk Line Northern Europe Operations.
“Port of Gothenburg’s program basically maintains a level playing field while keeping it costly for polluters to continue their behaviour and at the same time providing incentives for the ones that change behaviour and take extra costs for switching to low sulphur fuel,” he said.
The Port of Gothenburg is the largest port in the Nordic region with 11,000 visits by vessels each year. One-third of Swedish foreign trade passes through the Port of Gothenburg as well as 65 percent of all container traffic.
Source: Maersk Line / maritimedanmark.dk
