Asia/Pacific News
Oz Sulfur Regs Will Have "Serious Impacts" on Cruise Industry, Says Industry Group
Australian industry group Transport and Tourism Forum has urged the government to not be too hasty in consultations for a proposed low-sulfur regulation, especially as they will "have serious impacts on the operation of cruise ships," local media reports.
The government has maintained that it would like to impose rules that would limit sulfur content in marine fuel used by cruise ships in New South Wales (NSW) ports to 0.10 percent.
The eventual goal is to bring NSW waters in line with the world's other Emission Control Area (ECA) standards in the Americas and Europe.
However, Greens Balmain MP Jamie Parker has reportedly admitted that “there hasn’t been a definitive study undertaken by any government department” on the new regulations, which has drawn concerns from the Australian Coast Guard.
The coast guard cited examples of sudden losses of propulsion power and fuel leaks in the U.S. that are reportedly stemmed from the fuel switchover process.
“The U.S. Coast Guard recommendations recognise that fuel switching can be done and done safely when the right procedures are followed,” said a spokesman for Environment Minister Mark Speakman.
“And it is clear that fuel switching is already done safely in jurisdictions all around the world that have strong and viable cruise ship markets.”
Residents surrounding the White Bay Cruise Terminal have begin complaining since last year that air and noise pollution from berthed cruise ships have been making them sick.
Earlier this week, the government also placed a ban on cruise ships berthing overnight at the terminal until the issue of sulfur regulations was solved.
