Asia/Pacific News
Hong Kong Confirms New Low-Sulfur Rules to Enter into Force on July 1, 2015
The Hong Kong government has confirmed that new sulfur regulations are set to come into effect July 1, 2015, with violators facing fines or even jail time.
Once implemented, the rules will impose a 0.5 percent cap on sulfur content in marine fuel for ocean-going vessels (OGV) berthed in Hong Kong.
"The Regulation prohibits OGVs from using any fuel other than compliant fuel while at berth in Hong Kong, except during the first hour after arrival and the last hour before departure," said a spokesman from the Environmental Protection Department.
"The shipmasters and ship owners are required to record the date and time of fuel switching and keep the relevant records for three years."
Ships found in violation face a maximum fine of HKD $200,000 ($25,700) and six months in prison, while vessels who fail to keep proper records also face a maximum fine of HKD $50,000 ($6,400) and three months in jail.
The spokesman added that ships would be exempted from switching fuel if other technology was used to achieve the same results as low-sulfur fuel.
The rules are still subject to council approval, though they are expected to help ships reduce their sulfur dioxide emissions by 12 percent and respirable suspended particulates by 6 percent.
Earlier this week, it was reported that a Hong Kong public policy think tank had criticised the government's decision to extend a low-sulfur fuel incentives program to 2018 despite the low-sulfur regulations that were set to come into effect.
