Shipping lines to voluntarily cut emissions in Hong Kong - Maritime Connector

Posted - October 19, 2010 - Maritime Connector

A dozen of the world's largest container shipping lines have agreed to switch voluntarily to low sulfur fuel while at port in Hong Kong, a media report said Saturday.
The fuel is more expensive, but emits less sulfur oxide gases, which cause acid rain and contribute to particulate pollution.
The firms have also urged the Hong Kong government to make the less-polluting fuel compulsory, the South China Morning Post reported.
Currently, the maximum sulfur level worldwide in marine diesel is set at 4.5 per cent by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and set to drop to 0.5 per cent by 2020.
But 13 member firms of the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association have agreed to switch to fuel with levels of only 0.5 to 1 per cent sulfur while their ships are berthed at Kwai Chung port, starting January 1.
Complete Story at:
http://www.maritime-connector.com/NewsDetails/10157/lang/English/Shipping-lines-to-voluntarily-cut-emissions-in-Hong-Kong.wshtml