Asia/Pacific News
New Hong Kong Sulfur Cap Could Pave the Way for Similar Rules in Mainland China
New sulfur limits for vessels in Hong Kong may be the first step towards extending the same limits to other ports in the Pearl River Delta, Forbes reports.
The rules, which are effective July 1, 2015, will place a 0.5 percent cap on sulfur content in marine fuel for ocean-going vessels (OGV) berthed in Hong Kong.
Reports suggest that the new environmental limits could lead neighbouring rivals such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Macau to adopt the same policies, which is significant given that the Pearl River Delta reportedly accounts for about 10 percent of the world’s container port traffic.
In a bid to encourage shippers to continue using Hong Kong's port over others, the city has also extended its low-sulfur fuel incentives program to 2018, which cuts port and light dues in half for ships who switch to low sulfur fuel.
However, it was reported last month that non-governmental groups had criticized the plans, arguing that the continued discount rewards companies for something they are already mandated to do.
