Asia/Pacific News
Cruise Ships Prevented from Docking Overnight Until Emissions Regs Come Into Force
Cruise ships can no longer berth overnight at Sydney's White Bay Terminal, local media reports.
The Port Authority of New South Wales will reportedly continue to prevent overnight docking until regulations come into effect to address community concerns over vessel emissions and noise.
Leichhardt Council also suggested that the terminal install shore power systems.
"The temporary suspension and the anticipated regulation of sulfur fuel, which needs to happen urgently, are both welcome steps," Rochelle Porteous, mayor of Leichhardt Council, said in a statement.
"However, ship to shore-based power must be retrofitted as soon as possible and noise mitigation addressed," she added.
Mark Speakman, New South Wales Environment Minister, said in a statement that from July 1, 2016 new regulations will require vessels in New South Wales ports to use fuel with sulfur content of 0.10 percent or less.
"In addition, the Government is on target to have an interim low sulphur regulation in place for the start of the next cruise season for cruise ships berthing in Sydney," said Speakman.
In February an inquiry recommended that shore power be installed at the White Bay Cruise Terminal.
