Asia/Pacific News
Ban on Cruise Ships Berthing Overnight at Sydney Terminal Called "Hollow"
A governmental ban on cruise ships berthing overnight at the White Bay Terminal in Sydney has been described as "hollow" by critics, Australian media reports.
The new rule has reportedly been described as an "empty promise" because more ships are not scheduled to berth at the terminal overnight until mid-December.
According to Balmain MP Jamie Parker, the new ban is simply a diversion to draw attention away from the government's lack of action on proposed sulfur regulations.
“While this voluntary moratorium is welcome, it raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to phase out dirty high sulfur bunker fuel from July 1 this year,” Parker said.
Residents surrounding the terminal first raised concerns over the effects of fumes and air pollution from cruise ships last year.
The issue went on to become an election issue for New South Wales (NSW)Premier Mike Baird, who had promised earlier this year to impose a 0.10 percent sulfur cap on marine fuel used by berthed cruise ships if re-elected.
According to a NSW Port Authority spokesman, the moratorium is expected to stay in place until governmental action is taken to regulate sulfur emissions in Sydney Harbour.
Leichhardt Mayor Rochelle Porteous said that city council is cautiously welcome of the ban, especially as she still receives many reports from residents about the effects of cruise ships berthed during the day.
“While we welcome this news from the Port Authority, the NSW State Government must also get on with the critically important job of retrofitting the site with shore based power," she said.
Earlier this year, a parliamentary inquiry found that the situation and the construction of the terminal had been mishandled from its planning stages, and that low sulfur fuel or ship to shore power should have been considered.
