ShareThis
Maersk Line’s voluntary switch to low-sulphur fuel in Port of Singapore reduces sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter generated by its vessels by at least 65%.
Maersk Line makes around 500 port calls in Singapore every year. It has started switching to low-sulphur fuel since July 2011, and to date, about 80% of its vessels calling Singapore have switched from Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) to low sulphur fuel (maximum 1.0% sulphur), when they are within port limits.
“Our implementation of fuel switches is in line with our commitment to reduce the impact of shipping on both the environment and the communities we operate in. They build towards our ultimate goal of driving our own operations as well as the shipping industry as whole towards zero SOx emissions. With this fuel switch, we are well on our way to achieve our target of implementing at least ten fuel switch programmes by 2015,” said Thomas Riber Knudsen, Chief Executive Officer for Maersk Line Asia Pacific region.
“We have proceeded with our fuel switch plans despite the significant cost increase, especially with the rise in bunker prices. There is a need for the industry to focus more on improving its environmental performance, including cutting SOx emissions, and we want to set a positive example through our voluntary fuel switches,” added Knudsen.
“We are heartened by and greatly welcome Maersk Line’s decision to have its vessels switch to low-sulphur fuel while within Singapore’s port limits. We hope that more shipping companies will follow Maersk’s lead in adopting environmentally-friendly shipping practices to protect the marine environment and manage the environmental
impact of shipping,” said Mr Lam Yi Young, Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore.
Complete Story at:
http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=49029:maersk-line-fuel-switch-in-singapore-contributes-towards-zero-sox-goal-&catid=44:latest-news&Itemid=64
No comments:
Post a Comment