EMEA News
UK Ferry Operator Already Complying With 2015 ECA Regulations
As some players push for a delay in the implementation of new Emission Control Area (ECA) rules, UK ferry operator Red Funnel says it already complies with the tightening emissions regulations coming into effect on January 1, 2015, local media reports.
The Isle of White ferry operator says it has been using low sulfur fuel since 1996, and its fleet of three ro-pax vessels and three high-speed catamarans are all fuelled with a marine gas oil that has a maximum sulfur content of 0.10 percent by weight, a standard that will be required by all vessels operating within ECAs starting next year.
"Red Funnel is proud to have reduced its sulphur emissions some 18 years ahead of these statutory regulations and also for the other voluntary initiatives which have reduced the environmental impact of our services," commented CEO Kevin George.
Although low sulfur bunkers are more expensive, the firm says it has nevertheless remained competitive and has maintained its reputation for offering some of the lowest vehicles fares in the region.
Industry players including Danish shipping company DFDS have recently called for the European Union (EU) to reimburse firms for some of the costs of complying with new emissions rules, while a campaign by the UK Chamber of Shipping wants enforcement flexibility, warning the low-sulfur regulations could cost Britain 2,000 jobs and ship operators £300 million ($510 million) per year.
Even though it is already compliant, Red Funnel says it supports the campaign as it highlights the need to reduce sulfur emissions in a way that protects jobs and businesses.
Canadian West Coast ferry operator BC Ferries last year highlighted that it too is already compliant with the upcoming ECA regulations, as it uses an ultra-low sulfur diesel that "put virtually no sulfur oxides in the local air."
