Asia/Pacific News
Kaohsiung MGO Now Compliant with Hong Kong Low Sulfur Regulations
Taiwan's CPC Corporation (CPC) has advised in an emailed notice to customers it is now supplying MGO with a maximum sulfur content of 0.5 percent at Kaohsiung port.
The new 0.5 percent sulfur product has replaced the previously available 1 percent maximum sulfur product effective July 7, 2015.
Supply of 1 percent maximum sulfur MGO will remain at Keelung, Taichung, Suao, and Hualien.
CPC says the move comes in response to Hong Kong's new at-berth sulfur emissions rules, which came into force on July 1, 2015.
Under the new rules, berthed vessels must switch to fuel with a maximum sulfur content of 0.5 percent, except during the first hour after arrival and the last hour before departure.
Despite being a mandatory requirement, Hong Kong has extended an incentive scheme for those switching to low sulfur fuel, which offers a 50 percent reduction in Hong Kong port facility and light dues up to March 31, 2018.
Earlier this month the Hong Kong Marine Department advised that those wishing to take advantage of the extended period of discounts must be re-registered with the Environmental Protection Department.
