Asia/Pacific News
Hong Kong Delays 0.5% Sulfur Cap
Hong Kong has delayed implementation of sulfur cap rules for ocean-going vessels (OGVs), IHS Maritime 360 reports.
It is understood that the timetable for a 0.5 percent sulfur cap has now been pushed back to some point in the first half of 2015.
Hong Kong had planned to implement the cap on sulfur content of fuels burnt by OGVs while at berth in the city's ports this month.
A cap on the sulfur content of fuel used by river vessels is said to have been introduced last year.
Incentives to encourage OGVs to burn low-sulfur fuel while in Hong Kong, such as reduced port fees, have been in place since 2012.
in 2013 18 ship operators agreed voluntarily to burn 0.5 percent sulfur fuel while in Hong Kong waters.
Some reports have suggested the delay is a result of concern in Hong Kong that unilateral action will harm its competitiveness with nearby ports, such as at Shenzhen.
Earlier this month, non-governmental organisation Clean Air Network said "there must be no delay in tightening the cap on the sulphur content of locally supplied marine diesel and requiring ocean-going vessels to switch to low-sulphur fuel while at berth."
