THE Hong Kong Government is expected to force a switch from US$600-a-tonne bunker to $1,000-a-tonne low sulphur fuel by 2015 for big ships in harbour
Big carriers back costly low-sulphur fuel, Pearl River ports not so keenTHE Hong Kong Government is expected to force a switch from US$600-a-tonne bunker to $1,000-a-tonne low sulphur fuel by 2015 for big ships in harbour, say the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association (HKLSA) and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA).
Until that time major carriers, and cruise ships, have mostly joined the voluntary "Fair Winds Charter", which expired at the end of December. It is understood that harbour ferries, coastal vessels and motor barges will be exempt.
Attempts have been made to introduce a switch to the costly low sulphur fuel in the mainland ports of the Pearl River Delta, without much success.
"While there has been some progress in addressing air emission targets in Shenzhen and Guangzhou, PRD regional targets have not progressed very far," said HKLSA secretary general Roberto Giannetta.
Said HKSOA secretary general Arthur Bowring: "We are pleased to see the Chief Executive's [CY Leung] support in the Policy Address for action to address this issue, and believe that by working together, government and the shipping industry can achieve significant improvements in air quality in HK."
Said Mr Giannetta: "We have seen strong support from the HK government in terms of financial assistance through port due subsidies and engagement with industry in the drafting of potential legislation mandating the fuel switch in Hong Kong."