Maersk to use low-sulphur fuel in HK
SHIPPING: Based on experiences from California, Houston and elsewhere, Maersk Line will commence using low-sulphur fuel in their engines while at berth in Hong Kong, thereby kicking off the first voluntary fuel switch scheme in Asia
"By switching from bunker to cleaner fuel at berth, we significantly reduce emissions of sulphur into the air", says Tim Smith, Chief Executive of Maersk Line's North Asia Region.
Maersk Line makes around 850 port calls in Hong Kong every year. Switching from bunker fuel, which is used at high sea, to low-sulphur fuel will reduce Maersk Line's emissions of unhealthy sulphur oxides (SOx) and particles by at least 80%. The Hong Kong initiative will entail an additional cost of USD 1 million annually to Maersk Line.
Based on experiences from California, Houston and elsewhere, Maersk Line responded immediately when the Civic Exchange, a local business NGO, and Hong Kong's environmental authorities explored the possibility of a local fuel switch.
"By engaging in voluntary fuel switches in Hong Kong and elsewhere, we want to demonstrate that it is a way to quickly reduce sulphur emissions without any technical difficulties. We support strict sulphur regulation and we hope that our fuel switches will inspire authorities to raise the regulatory bar on SOx" says Morten Engelstoft, Chief Operating Officer at Maersk Line.
Source: Maersk Line / maritimedanmark.dk
