German Maritime LNG Platform Signs Arctic Commitment Against HFO

The German Maritime LNG Platform signed the Arctic Commitment.
Image: Clean Arctic Alliance

The Clean Arctic Alliance Wednesday announced that the German Maritime LNG Platform has signed the Arctic Commitment, which calls for a ban on the use of HFO in Arctic shipping.

"We're delighted to support the Arctic Commitment and throw our weight behind the international campaign to ban the use of HFO as a shipping fuel in the Arctic region. Shipping needs to become more sustainable and international regulation on shipping emissions is increasing, for the better," said Tessa Rodewaldt, Managing Director of the Platform.

"Such regulations must also apply to the Arctic region, which is particularly fragile. By using LNG, emissions can be substantially reduced, which lowers the impact of shipping on the natural environment of the Arctic region."

The German Maritime LNG Platform is an interest coalition of almost 100 members and partners from the maritime sector in Germany and abroad - intended to promote the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as marine fuel.

"The Clean Arctic Alliance welcomes the German Maritime LNG Platform as a signatory of the Arctic Commitment. The LNG Platform joins a growing international movement calling for a ban on the use of HFO by ships in the Arctic's pristine and fragile environment," said Sian Prior, Lead Advisor to the Clean Arctic Alliance.

"By switching to less-polluting alternatives to HFO, such as LNG, the shipping industry has a real opportunity to lead the path away from the use of heavy fuel oil and towards a sustainable future, before a ban is considered by the IMO."

In January, the Clean Arctic Alliance announced that Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten AS (Hurtigruten), had also signed the Arctic Commitment.