THE Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association (HKLSA) and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) have renewed their participation in the Fair Winds Charter 2013 (FWC 2013) that will encourage operators to continue to switch to low sulphur fuel voluntarily in Hong Kong for another year.
According to the new charter, the vessels of FWC 2013 members will switch to a fuel with 0.5 per cent sulphur content or less while at berth in Hong Kong to the maximum extent possible.
"As an industry, we want to demonstrate that we are prepared to be part of the solution in terms of environmental emissions, and not part of the problem." said Tim Smith, chairman of HKLSA, at the press conference in Hong Kong.
The two associations also called on the governments of Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Guangdong to introduce regulation to reduce ship emissions, consistent with international standards where appropriate, said the joint statement.
While the Hong Kong Government introduced an incentive scheme in September 2012 to help offset the additional cost, FWC 2013 participants still shoulder 50-80 per cent of the cost of switching to the cleaner fuel, the statement said.
Furthermore, the operating cost difference between voluntary participants and non-participants results in competitive concerns. Therefore, the extension of the charter also intends to give government more time to bring in mandatory regulations on maritime emissions - which would provide a level playing field for all operators, the statement said.
"We are pleased to see the Chief Executive's support to address marine emissions," said Arthur Bowring, Managing Director of HKSOA, referring to last week's statements made by the Chief Executive in his Policy Address for 2013.
"This is great encouragement to our voluntary action already taken in the past two years. We deeply believe that only by working together can government and the shipping industry achieve a significant reduction in marine air emissions in Hong Kong," he said.
Representatives of Hong Kong's government also attended the press conference to show support from the local authorities to the extension of this ground-breaking initiative.
"Hong Kong government welcomes the commitment of shipping industry to address the issues of marine emissions in Hong Kong. We will continue to collaborate with the shipping industry, and push for the introduction of legislation to make switching to lower sulphur fuel compulsory in Hong Kong port," said KS Wong, Secretary for the Environment, Hong Kong SAR Government.
The voluntary fuel switch by 19 shipping companies under the original FWC, which commenced on January 1, 2011, has already contributed substantially to reducing sulphur dioxide pollution in Hong Kong. The members of the Charter now call upon all stakeholders to support FWC 2013 and encourage other operators of ocean going vessels in Hong Kong waters to join the FWC 2013.
"Ultimately, our target is to see an internationally sanctioned Emission Control Area regulating marine emissions in the whole Pearl River Delta area," said Roberto Giannetta, Secretary for the HKLSA.
"We believe that the FWC 2013 can serve as a benchmark to springboard similar initiatives in other regional areas who share our air shed," he said.
WORLD SHIPPING
27 January 2013 - 22:40
HKLSA, HKSOA seek regulation, renew voluntary low-sulphur fuel switch
THE Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association (HKLSA) and the Hong Kong Shipowners Association (HKSOA) have renewed their participation in the Fair Winds Charter 2013
WORLD SHIPPING
27 January 2013 - 22:40
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