Asia/Pacific News
Shipping Companies Extend Hong Kong Low-Sulfur Agreement
Shipping companies that in 2010 under the Fair Winds Charter agreed to voluntarily use low-sulfur fuel for two years while at berth in Hong Kong, have extended that pledge through to the end of 2013, a joint statement by the participating shippers has said.
The extension will see the 17 companies who took part in FY2011-2012 continue until December 31, 2013 to "switch to a fuel with 0.5% sulfur content or less while at berth in Hong Kong, to the maximum extent possible."
The statement also called on the Hong Kong government to introduce legislation for at-berth fuel switching or equivalent measures for all ocean-going vessels in Hong Kong by January 2014, so that there is a "level playing field" for the industry.
The move comes after the city-state's government announced plans to make the use of the fuel mandatory, and Tim Smith, Maersk Line's North Asia chief executive officer, was quoted by Bloomberg as saying the companies were "delighted" with Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-Ying's announcement.
"Recognising that it will take more time to introduce the legislation to make [switching to low sulfur fuel] mandatory in Hong Kong, the industry has decided it will extend the voluntary switch for another year," said Smith, who is also chairman of the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association.
Recently, companies including Maersk Line had called on the government to make use of the fuel mandatory because its extra cost was putting them at a disadvantage to companies that continued using high-sulfur bunkers.
Hong Kong Undersecretary for the Environment Christine Loh Kung-wai said last week that a new law requiring use of low-sulfur fuel could be in place as soon as next year.
