Asia/Pacific News
New Hong Kong Sulfur Rules to Start April 1
New regulations to be introduced Friday in Hong Kong will reduce the cap on sulfur in locally supplied marine light diesel (MLD) to 0.05 percent starting April 1 if they move forward as planned, according to a government press release.
The current limit on sulfur content in the fuel is 0.5 percent.
"Marine vessels operating on 0.05 per cent sulphur diesel emit about 90 per cent less sulphur dioxide (SO2) and 30 per cent less respirable suspended particulates (RSPs) than those operating on 0.5 per cent sulphur diesel," a spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said.
"Implementing the Regulation will reduce emissions of SO2 and RSPs from the marine sector by 19 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.
"This will help to improve the ambient air quality and reduce health risks for the population, especially those in the coastal areas."
Anyone supplying non-compliant MLD could receive a fine of up to HKD 50,000 ($6,400) and imprisonment for up to three months under the new rules.
The regulation is subject to approval of the Legislative Council, which will take up the issue on January 22.
The head of Hong Kong environmental group Clean Air Network recently wrote that the government must move quickly on a variety of measures designed to reduce marine emissions.
