Ships calling at the city’s port will go on using low sulphur diesel
Shipping lines will continue to voluntarily use low sulphur diesel in Hong Kong, but only if the government sets a timetable for tough regulatory controls mandating the use of the cleaner fuel, experts said as the Fair Winds Charter, a voluntary two-year programme, ended according to South China Morning Post
About 18 shipping and cruise lines had signed the charter under which they agreed to use low sulphur diesel to the “maximum extent possible” from January 2011.
In return, they urged the implementation of a six-point action plan to help reduce marine pollution. Chief among the proposals was for the government “to take a lead and work with the Guangdong government to regulate the use of low sulphur fuel in the Pearl River delta region by December 31, 2012”.
While no legal controls outlawing heavily polluting marine diesel have yet been put in place, the Environmental Protection Department in September inaugurated an incentive scheme, giving a 50 per cent cut in port fees to ship owners who use cleaner fuel.
But the rebate covers only 30 to 45 per cent of the cost of using the cleaner but more expensive low sulphur diesel.
Source: South China Morning Post
