Hong Kong to require cleaner bunker fuel on 1 July

11.03.2015

Hong Kong’s law on cleaner bunker fuel switch is expected to take effect on 1 July, a government statement said today.

The Air Pollution Control (Ocean Going Vessels) (Fuel at Berth) Regulation, which mandates ocean-going vessels to use clean fuels while berthing in Hong Kong, will be tabled at the Legislative Council on 18 March.


The compliant fuels required by the regulation are low-sulphur marine fuel, with sulphur content not exceeding 0.5\%, liquefied natural gas and any other fuels approved by the Director of Environmental Protection.


“The regulation prohibits ocean-going vessels from using any fuel other than compliant fuel while at berth in Hong Kong, except during the first hour after arrival and the last hour before departure,” a spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department said.


The shipmasters and shipowners are required to record the date and time of fuel switching and keep the relevant records for three years.


If an ocean-going vessel uses technology that can achieve the same or fewer emissions of sulphur dioxide (SO2) when compared with using low-sulphur marine fuel, it may be exempted from switching to compliant fuel.


When the regulation comes into effect, the master and owner concerned of any ocean-going vessel will be liable to a maximum fine of HKD200,000 (USD25,800) and imprisonment for six months, if they are found using non-compliant fuel while at berth in Hong Kong.


Shipmasters and shipowners who fail to record or keep the required particulars will also be liable to a maximum fine of HKD50,000 and imprisonment for three months.


The new regulation is expected to help reduce the total emissions of SO2 and respirable suspended particulates by 12\% and 6\% respectively.

source:www.ihsmaritime.com

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